The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-23
INSTRUCTIONS TO TROOPS.
General Davis Tried to Gain the
Friendship of the Moros

WASHINGTON, April 22-Peculiar inter-
est attaches to report made public to-day
by General COrbin from Brigadier General
Davis, commanding the Seventh separate
brigade, dated at Zamboanga, March A. l.
was in Mindanao that General Davis's
troops recently came i'm collision with the
Moros. General Daviss Instructions to his
troops to the attitude to be observed by
them toward the Moros say: "Mindanao
and Jolo have now been occupied by the
United States more than two years, and
during that time there has been no overt
act or resistance against our authority by
Moros other non-Christians But in
some extensive regions it is said that the
inhabitants wish to remain isolated and TO
exclude visits OF Americans. Ii is the mill
tary policy TO endeavor to overcome and
counterfeit this idea and thoroughly 10 ex-
plore the country and make known its
topography, physical characteristics, re-
sources and the number and character of
its inhabitants
During explorations and operations in
the territory occupied by non-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 are 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 nhabit-
ants of the coming of the troops on
pedceIul mission or exploration and ODSer-
walton. By the observance of this policy
and the employment of native runners and
guides detailed by the dattos and chiefs
peaceable entrance into and the establish
ment of posts in the territory which has
heretofore been closed to our people will, il
is believed be easily effected. The brigade
commander desires to buy such of the ma
tive ponies and TO employ such of the la
borers as the army may need, TO establish
market places, to impress upon the natives
the fact that the taking and selling of slaves
is forbidden by our laws and to inform
those who from Spanish times have been
holding slaves and those who are held as
slaves. that the United States does not
recognize the right of any man 10 own
other, and that those who wish to leave
their masters will be protected against
capture and forcible return to bondage.
Ofhcers are especially directed to treat the
Moros kindly and not TO interfere with their
customs. The instructions continue:
American promoters, prospectors. miners
and travellers who cannot give satisfac-
tory account of themselves or show proper
credentials will not be permitted to enter
the interior of the island inhabited by Mo-
rOs. Persons claiming title TO lands de-
rived by purchase from MORO dattos or
other on-Christians are entitled to the
same, but no greater rights and privileges
respecting said lands than the Moros en-
joy.
In conclusion special instructions are
given to observe the treaty with the Sulta n
of Jolo giving the latter authority to bring
TO trial and punishment all Moro criminals
for crimes committed against other Moros
Instructions were given army officers TO
bring other criminals TO justice.