New-York tribune., 1901-05-26
PROBLEMS OF THE MOROS.
COMMISSIONERS DOUBTFUL ABOUT THE
METHOD OF DEALING WITH
THE SULU GROUP.

Jolo. Island of Su1u March 2S.-The hopefuness
which has always been marked characteristic of
the United States Philippine Commission was not
increased by that body's visit to the Sulu Archi-
pelago. While little in the way of Improvement
was expected from the Moros, the unencouraging
fact, developed by the brief contact with these
pie. that they showed desire for anything
different from their old way of giving easy going
allegiance their dattos and to the Sultan,
paying to them their trifiing poll tax, and when
convicted of theft. not uncommon occurrence,
stealing in order to pay their fines and avoid
being sold into slavery. Close acquaintance with
the barbaric backwardness OF these people
object lesson to the commission. and at the close
of the visit they in state of considerable
uncertainty to how to deal with the situation.
They took lot of testimony from military officers
foreigners and dattos, with view to future de-
liberation
Slavery and poygamy appear to be strongly
implanted among the Moros. 1t is uni
versal opinion of the Americans who visit Jolo
that any attempt to abolish either at present would
be idle, and Judge Taft in his first formal inter-
view with the Sultan assured him that there
no purpose Of interference with any of the habits,
customs or religion of the inhabitants. The whole
outfit from master to naked little boy takes far
more pride in petty warlike prestige than in any
sort of industry. The datto reads nothing, keeps
no accounts, maintains many wives as peases
him and lives life OF ideness and ignorance. His
only law is the Koran and he is very apt TO in
terpret that to suit himself.
There can be no question but that Jolo continues
to sustain its claim being the cleanest town in
the Philippines But being a military reservation
it is hardly so wonderful that its broad roadWays
always neatly spread with clean sand. its gut
ters trinity built of stone and its houses scrupu-
lously in their frequent coats of paint and
whitewash Malaria however. is still prevalent
A considerable percentage of the four companies
of troops stationed here usually ILL., but the
laria rarely has directly fatal result.
army officers are not within hearing. In speaking
with The Associated Press correspondent they in
sisted that the of JOlo ought to be freed
from the restrictions and seventies of military
government. They admitted that 1t would be out
of the question for the Moros to have the slightest
share in a self-government scheme, but they be
neve that tne civil aalrs OF the place ought 10 oe
possibly small committee of councillors appointed
object TO the presence of troOps-in fact they
We're glad to have that protection-but they We're
OF one mind in wanting slight measure of civil
town government in accordance with American as
against Spanish ideas and customs. These am
billions were not put forward TO the commission
ers In direct manner. for the reason that the
dattos were little furtive. and disnclined to
express themselves IN what might have been re-
garded as desire to rid themselves of their pres
ent authorities, the army officers, who listen
In conversations with the military men they de-
clared that according to their experiences II would
be altogether impossible to govern successfully the
ISLANDERS by any civil government. They believed
that the provost marshal of Joo and his sub
@ uiu''tles were taxing care OF affairs in the only
way IN which it could be done, and that inter
ANi'iNV by tiNl process would only cause unneCeS
sary friction The commissioners appeared to be
or about the same mind so far the present out
look goes, but the question of government o
Loto was taken under advsement, along with other
Sulu problems.
The greater problem of the exercise of future
authority over the Sulu Archipelago is becIouded
by the treaty made by General Bates with the
sultan. According 10 its terms, the treaty can
De anrogated only by consent of both parties 1t has
tulttediy been violated in minor respects by both
parties. For instance the provides that
Aor0s accused of crime be tried by Moro courts
Whlch, IN effect. means the Sultan or dattos The
sultan complains that the army officers have in
sisted on trying Moros charged with piracy The
oHlcers mold that the suppression OF piracy Is
naturally legitimate function OF a sovereign
power The officers here assert that the treaty Is
a clog on the progress of affairs aud thev favor
negotiation for its abrogation. Those conversant
with the situation believe that events WILL perhaps
before long, make necessary a new deal with the
Sultan. ~ $40
SuIu questions In general will be important feat
ures to be dealt with by the soon TO he .-anzad
general government OF the Philippines