New-York tribune., 1901-03-29
FESTIVITIES AT JOLO.
THE COMMISSION AND THE SULTAN OF
SCLU CONFER-A LOYAL RECEPTION.

Jolo. Island of Sulu, March 27-The Civil
Commission heartily received here the
headquarters of the Sultan and the houses of
many or the people being decorated with flags
the stars and Stripes floating throughout the
Town. while thousands Of frecrackers were X
ploded in all directions. 1t was beautiful sum-
mer morning, and when the Sultan had not
appeared upon the arrival of the last launch a
cutter was sent with the secretary Of the COM
mission to invite the Sultan 20 visit the ship
They brought back his majesty clothed in gold
and purple, and decorated with jewels. He pre-
sented a comic opera aspect as he came on
board, followed by his ministers. and a score OF
relatives in motley court array. They were
greeted with a salute of seventeen guns
Commissioner Taft explained to his majesty
that there was no disposition on the part OF the
members Of the commission to interfere with
the administration of the Sultan's affairs or the
habits the customs and the religion of the peo-
pie. He said that the only motives governing
the commission was the prospective prosperity
and happiness OF the people of the SuIu Islands
and that the people of the United States expected
the treaty to be strictly observed. The Sultan
then thanked Commissioner Taft and spoke
proudly OF the cable and the other improve
ments introduced 10y the Americans adding that
his best friends were the military officials and
that he expected TO abide by the decision Of the
commissioners and to follow their advice. His
majesty then inspected the ship.
That afternoon the Sultan was received at the
american military headquarters and inspected
the troops. Native sports followed which were
witnessed by the commissioners and others.
AT q conference of the commissioners with the
sultan, the latter said that the only complaint
that he had to make was that the Americans
were not following the treaty wholly. One par
ucular instance which he cited was the trying
OF natives arrested for piracy by Americans
these cases having been sent to Judge mill
tary officers, while in other criminal cases the
defendants had been sent to the datos Sultan
Tor trial. The commissioners directed the Sui
tan to make complaint in writing
The Sultan really has no system OF govern
ment. though he maintains the form and cere-
mOny Of one The Sultan collects fines and as
sesslnents. but the datos. who hereditary Of
hcials. more nearly control the people
The public places crowded with Amerl-
cans, natives and other Orientals and there are
natives and Chinese performances in honor OF
the commission. The Sultan does not appear at
any Of the performances, and is apparently
backward in taking part IN ceremonials in honor
Of the commissioners. Military officials here
say that II would be better If the treaty with
the Sultan of Sulu should define his rights in
detail.
Joo, Island Of Sulu. March 2S-The Philippine
Commission sailed this evening for Isabella. ISL
and of Basan Before sailing the commission
had a long consultation with Major Sweet the
American commander at Cato, and Dhul Kar-
nein, the strongest chief of the SuIus who usual
ly opposes the sultan.
Any measure OF civil government In Sulu ap
pears impossible at present The customs Of
vassalage, servitude and pOygamy prevail
There is no law except the Koran, and that is
not always followed. The Morros and Chinese
desire cessation of military rule in Jolo but
the conglomerate character of the popula tion
and the uncertainty to those without the
walls render this inadvisable.
Military officers consider the treaty unneces-
sary and an impeachment to progress.