Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-22
GEN. DAVIS ORDER
Attitude Toward Non-Chris-
tian Jolo Tribes.
EXPLORING PARTIES
ENJoINED TO EXERCISE PRU-
DENCE AND KINDNESS.
Runners to Be Sent Ahead to Inform
Natives Of Troops on a Peace
full Mission.

Adjutant General Corbin has just received
a copy of an order issued by Brigadier
General Davis, commanding the 7th Sep
arate Brigade, dated Zamboanga, March 4,
iEstructing the troops in Mindanao and Joio
as to the proper attitude to be maintained
toward the Moros and other nom Christian
tribes on those islands.
"Mindanao and Jolo have now been oc-
cupied by the United States more than two
years." recites the order, land during that
time there has been no overt act of resist
ance against our authority by Moros or
other non-Christiaps, and no punishments
have been required inflicted save for
crimes against, or acts Of violence upon, in
dividuals. But in some extensive regions
1t is said that the inhabitants wish to re-
main isolated and to exclude visits of Amer
leans. 1t is the military policy to endeavor
to overcome and counteract this idea, and
thoroughly to explore the country and make
known its topography, physical character
lStics, resources, and the number and char
acter of it's inhabitants.
Great Prudence Enjoined.
During explorations and operations in
the territory occupied by non-C Christian
tribes the brigade commander enjoins that
the greatest prudence be observed by all
concerned to avoid a conflict with these
tribes, all of whom ave now peaceful. To
this end he directs that messengers be sent
we'll in advance of all expeditionary forces
or scouting parties to inform the inhabit-
ants whose rancheriaS are to be visited of
the coming of the troops on peaceful mis-
sion of exploration and observation. By the
observance of this policy and the employ
ment of native runners and guides, detailed
by the dattos and chiefs, peaceable en-
trance into and the establishment of posts
in the territory which has heretofore been
cIosed to our people will, it is believed be
easily effected. Through peaceful means
the brigade commander wishes to overcome
the desire Of these people to remain Isolated
and to exclude Americans
he wishes to buy such Of the native
ponies and to employ such of the laborers
as the army may need, to establish market
piaces: TO impress upon the natives the fact
tnat the taking and selling of slaves is for
pldden by our laws, and to inform those
VINO from Spanish times have been holding
slaves and those who are held as slaves
that the United States does not recognize
tne rlght OF any man to own another and
lnat those who wish to leave their masters
VIII be protected against recapture and
1orclble return to bondage.
The brigade commander also directs that
oIncerS who are brought in direct contact
with the non-Christian inhabitants see TO it
that In the future. as in the past, they are
treated with kindness, that those who are
peaceable be not molested in their persons
or property, and that they be not inter-
fered with in religious practices or in the
observance Of their tribal usages or Gus
toms. Peaceable Moros will not he dis
armed. though in possession of modern wea-
pons, but no firearms or ammunition can be
imported or kept for sale in the towns in
the unorganized provinces.
As to Promoters and Miners.
American promoters, prospectors, miners
and travellers who cannot give satisfac-
tory account of themselves, OF show proper
credentials, Will not be permitted to enter
the interior of the island inhabited by
Moros Persons claiming title to lands de-
rived by purchase from Moro datos or
otner non-Christians are entitled to the
same but no greater rights and privileges
respecting said lands than the Moros en-
joy
by the agreement with the Sultan of
Jolo, made on May 90, 1889, the sultan was
recognized by the United States as nos
sesslng authority to bring to trial and
punishment all Moro criminals for crimes
committed against other Moros, but in
all other cases his jurisdiction over Grim
inals was denied. The said agreement ia
In force only in the Jolo archipelago If
the crimes Of murder, assault with intent to
kill, rape, kidnapping, robbery or arson
are committed within the islands embraced
within the territorial limits assigned to
the 7th Separate Brigade, army officers
VINO may nave knowledge of the perpetra-
ton of these crimes will do all in their
power to bring the offenders to justice
But in the organized provinces of Misamis
and Surigao the punitive actions of the
military will be confined to offenses COM
mitted by members of non-Christian tribes
against other non-Christians while in the
Jolo archipelago. Moro criminals who may
be charged with crimes against other Moros
Will be disposed of as provided by the
above cited agreement"
Interest in the Report.
Peculiar interest attached to this report
in view Of existing conditions in the Phil
ippines. 1t was in Mindanao that General
Davis troops recently come in collision
with the Moros. notwithstanding the efforts
made by the general to overcome by moral
suasion the reluctance of the Moros to
the extension of American sovereignty over
the islands Of the Jolo group.