New-York tribune., 1902-03-05
SLA VERY IN PHILIPPINES.
GOVERNOR TAFT DESCRIBES CONDI-
TIONS IN THE SOUTHERN
MORO ISLANDS.

Washington. March 4.-The extent Of slavery in
the Philippines discussed by Governor Taft be-
fore the House Committee Insular Affairs to-
day. He said that slavery confined to the
Southern Moro Islands. The investigation made by
the commission had shown that the slaves included
men, women and children. who we're slaves for
debt. according to the statements made by the
datos The slaves could buy their liberty. but until
this done the condition ran from generation to
generation. The slaves were members of the fam
lily and the relation comparatively mild. II it
was possible to consider anv form OF slavery mild
Governor Taft said that Dato Mandi had already
abolished slavery by decree. How effective this
could not be stated 1T indicates" said the Gov
ernor, how willing they to consider our de-
sires and the possibilities OF eradicating the sys-
tenn
The civil authorities had never recognized slavery
in any way. and the military had always released
slaves But the slaves did not understand the ad-
vantage OF liberty, and Governor Taft said that if
we attempted to end slavery by force would
probably find the slaves turning their guns against
US The Influence Of the U1iIed States was, how
ever growing stronger and Stronger for the eradica
ton OF slavery. Although our wishes had been
made known. neither the civil nor the military au-
thorities had said slavery must cease or var would
be made
Representative Patterson, Of Tennessee. asked the
number Of slaves Governor Taft replied that he
and his assistants had sought TO learn the num-
oer with the idea that might buy them ana
avert an exercise Of force. but when the natives
learned this they all represented themselves as
slaves The Governor estimated about one-fourth
OF the southern population slaves or from 20On0
TO 10000 In a population OF I000GO 70 10000
When asked how many sultans there were, Gov
ernor Taft answered that sutans and datos were
as numerous justices Of the peace in the United
States.
In reply 20 a question by Mr. Patterson Governor
TAFT said that the slaves were punished by their
masters. and whipping was not unknown 20 them
although there was little severity. The slaves were
subject 70 sale, but he did not know Of any sep
ar8tlon OF mothers from their children.
TO question from Chairman Cooper 70
whether American women should go TO the Phil
ippneS, Governor Taft said they would he help
ful as teachers, but he did the idea
mat they should go in large numbers
representative Sibley OF Pennsylvania asked
Ml5t annual cnarge on the United States would be
Co rnor Taft answered that there was no rea-
son why me United States should be called on to
government, except for military operations. There
was now $4,000 In gold on hand and only g. 900 600
aeot IN sight The outlook for a considerable
income from customs, etc. He looked for a large
Increase Of American trade in canned goods COT
ION and machinery. II think NAV come back TO
Congress and ask a modification OF the tariff on
particularly on electric machinery ~
In his testimony before the Senate Committee on
particulars or the massacre at Balangiga, Samar
last September. lie took himself the respon-
sI3lllty tor sending troops 70 that post and the
selection or the officer in command. 81 had known
him for years he said 'Fs was A fine oTicsr
and had every confidence in him
Geherdl fushes said, however. he convinced
he had since heard that the officer i'm command
had reposed TOO great rust in the natives while
trait of his character before giving him the most
at Balangiga. Speaking of the native soldiers
Seneiral hughes said they generally did well. but
American officers. -