The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-05
HUGHES BEFORE SENATORS
RECENT MASSACRE AT BALANGIGA
DISCUSSED BY THE GENERAL.
He Has Little Faith i'm the Visayans,
Who Are Incapable of Gov
crning Themselves.

! WASHINGTON March 4.-The extent Of
slavery in the Philippines was discussed
by Governor Taft before the House insular
committee to-day in response to questions
by members. He said slavery was confined
to the southern Moro islands. The in
vestigation made by Governor Taft and
his associates had brought out that the
slaves included men. women and children
who were slaves for debt, according to the
statements made by the datos. The slaves
could buy their liberty, but until this was
done the condition ran from generation TO
generation. The slaves were members of
the family, and the relation was compare
lively mild if it was possible TO consider
any form Of slavery mild. Governor Taft
said that Dato Mandi had already abOl-
ished slavery by decree. How effective this
was could not be stated. 1T indicates, -
said Governor Taft, "how willing they are
to consider our desires and the possibili-
ties of eradicating the system.
The civil authorities had never recognized
slavery in any way, he said and the mill
tary had always released slaves. But the
slaves did not understand the advantage
of liberty, and Governor Taft said that
if we attempted TO end slavery by force we
would probably find the slaves turning their
guns against US. The influence OF the
United States was, however, growing
stronger and stronger for the eradication
of slavery. Although our wishes had been
made known. yet neither the civil nor mill
tary authorities had said slavery must
cease or war would be made.
Representative Patterson, of Tennessee,
asked the number of slaves. Governor Taft
replied that he and his associates had
sought to learn the number with the idea
that we might buy them and avert an exer-
else or 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 10000 TO 100000 in a population OF
| 100000 TO 800 600. When asked how many
sultans there were Governor Taft answered
that sultans and datos were as numerous
as barons in Germany or justices Of the
peace in the United States.
In reply to a question by Mr.. Patterson,
Governor Taft stated that the slaves were
punished by their masters and whipping
was little severity. The slaves were sub
ject to sale, but he did not know Of any
separation OF mothers from their children
To question from Chairman Cooper as
to whether American women should go to
/ the Philippines Governor Taft said they
would be helpful as teachers. but he did not
/ encourage the idea that they should go in
/ large numbers.
Representative Sibley, of PENNSYLVANIA.
| asked what the annual charge on the
! United States would be for the maintenance
| of the Philippines. Governor Taft answered
] that there was no reason why the United
| States should be called upon to pay any,
| thing toward the expenses Of the insular
! government. except for military operations.
| There was now 5000, 900 in hand and only
| s., 900, 600 debt in sight. The outlook was for
! considerable income from customs. etc. He
! looked for a large increase of American
| trade in canned goods, cotton and ma
chineTy.
| Il think we may come back to Congress
| and ask a modification of the tariff on ma
chinery," Governor Taft said 1T is too
| HIGH particularly on electric machinery"