Willmar tribune., 1900-10-20
MCKINLEY'S CONTRACT
WITH THE SULTAN OF SULU.

of Palawan. These two islands, or
portions of them, nearly their whole
area, are under the immediate control
of sub-sultan, who owes some sort
of allegiance to the sultan of the
Sulu islands.
The island of Mindanao has never
been explored py the white people, and
it was never under the Jurisdiction OF
Spain, except that two or three of its
coast ports were occupied by that
power. In our treaty with Spain we
take title to this entire group, as well
as to the Philippines. Last summer
we made new agreement with these
people, which I desire to read in order
that it may go in the RECORD. I will
read first this dispatch from Manila,
dated July II, 1899:
Manila Special, July IL, 1899.
General Bates, in the capacity as agent OF
the United States government, sailed for Jolo
this morning to negOgiate with the Sultan OF
Jolo regarding the future relations Of the Jolo
Tor Sulu) Archipelago, including the Basilians
as naval station. The sultan assumes that
the JOlOs reverted to him, the evacuation OF
the Spaniards nulllfying the treaty of 1878
General Bates will explain to the sultan that
the Americans succeeded the Spaniards in the
the treaty, assuming its obligations and con
tinuing the annuities it provides for. He will
also present to the sultan $4,000 in Mexican
money as an evidence of good will. The local
administration OF the JOloS will remain un
changed. The sultan will enforce the law
and will also be expected to fly the American
flag continuously and cooperate with America
to maintain order and suppress piracy. The
sultan will retain possession of the pearl fish
ing and the island trade, which will be con
Quoted in such way as to forward the develop
ment of the resources of the islands for the
mutual benefit OF Americans and natives.
General Bates then entered into the
following agreement:
Agreement between Brigadier-General John
G. Bates, representing the United States, o.
one part, and his highness the sultan of Sulu
the Dato Rajah Muda, the Dato Attik, the Date
Kalkt, and the Dato Joakanain, on the othe
part; 1t being understood that this agreemen
will be in full force only when approved by tht
governor general of the Philippine islands an.
| confirmed by the president of the United
States, and will be subjected to future modifi
| cations by the mutual consent Of the partie
j In interest
l deem 1t proper to state that this
agreement has been confirmed by thu
president of the United States in {
letter transmitting the treaty to the
senate. However, this is apparently
with a quasi sovereign power, owe,
which the senate, according to oul
doctrine of Imperialism, has no othe1
authority and NO control, and it re-
quires no ratification by the senate ani
| no consideration on our part.
l. ARTICLE l. The sovereignty OF the Unitet
States over the whole archipelago of Sulu ant
its dependenciesisdecla and acknowledged
I ART. 2. The Tinted States flag will be uset
| in the archipelago of Sulu and it's dependencies
! on land and sea.
| ART. g. The rights and dignities of his high
ness the sultan and his datos shall be fully re
spected; the Moros shall not be interfere,
| with on account of their religion; all thei
religious customs shall be respected, and n,
| one shall be prosecuted for his religion.
ART. 4. While the United States may occu
py and control such points In the arcbipelag,
of Sulu as public interests seem to demand
encroachment will not be made upon the land
Immediately about the residence of his high
ness the sultan unless military necessity re
quires such occupation In case Of war with
foreign power, and whereth property of in
dividuals is taken. due compensation will b
made in each case.
f6Any person can purchase land in the arch
1 pelago of Sulu and hold the same by obtainin
Ithe consent OF the sultan and coming to
lsatisfa actOry' agreement with the owner of tn
land, and such purchase. shall Immediately
registered in the proper once Of the Unite
i States governm ent. zzE: - = p =: -
ART. 5. All trade in domestic products g
the archipelago Of Sulu, when carried on b
the: sultan and his people with any part Of th
Philippine islands, and when conducted unde
the American hag, shall be free, unlimite,
and undutlable. :*. 2as. D., > Z +.
/ ART.6 The Sultan OF Sulu shall be allowe
to communicate direct with the governc
general sof the Philippine islands ii maxim
complaint against the commanding ohicer {
J ISulu Of against any naval commander.
II ART. The fntroduction OF firearms an
war material IS forbidden, except under sp
cidc authority of the governor general Of th
Philippines .s1 . d y s$,:5 81 All
IL ARr.s. Piracy must be suppressed, and Il