New-York tribune., 1908-01-28
SL4VERY THE TOPIC.
Its Alleged Existence in Philippines
Discussed IN Senate.

washington Ian g7-The propriety OF perpetu-
atins the Penal Code penalties against persons
engaged in the slave trade the subject Of an
interesting debate in the Senate to-day. in
neetion with which there considerable discus
sion Of the alleged existence OF slavery in the
Philippines. The old law against the slave trade
has been retained in the code by the committee
reporting il. with a change by which the word
persons" is substituted for the words negroes,
n1ulattoes and colored persons.
Mr. Hale declared that, slavery being thing
of the past. all reference to it should be taken
out Of the code
Mr. Hepburn in charge of the bill. contended for
the retention of the provision, saying that there
are forms OF slavery other than those that were
abolished by the Civil War. He cited cooe slav-
cry and slavery for immoral purposes, which he
said exists in this country. and held that the pro-
hbition would apply to such practices He added
that he had heard il charged that slavery Of the
old kind still exists in OF the ISLANDS
Of the Philippine group.
Mr.. Hale said he glad the Senator from
Idaho had in his researches found so good a rea-
sen for continuing this prohibition against slavery
TT Is strange" he said, referring 10 the charge
that slavery exists in the Philippines. that such
a condition should exist in view Of the optimistic
accounts from those islands that we have re-
ceived I am glad the Senator from Idaho is enc
of those misguided persons who object 10 these
conditions: and If the Senator has brought II out
In one instance showing this whole melancholy
condition he has done something for the benent
of the Senate and for the country.
Mr. Hale declared, however. that he had never
supposed slavery existed in the Islands after the
American occupation.
"I am surprised" said Mr. Tillman. who
quickly on his feet. ito hear any Senator the
Republican side disclan knowledge Of what has
been notorious since We took possession IN the
Philippines and known to exist there" He was
still surprised that the party which had
gathered so much glory from the destruction Of
slavery in this country" and which has absolute
control OF foreign affairs had nothing TO put
end to the slave trade in the Philippines.
Why don't the men," he asked VINO are re-
sponsible for the Philippine government enforce
the law?'
Senator Stone called attention to agreement
made by General John c. Bates with the Sultan
of suu for continuing slavery and polygamy.
we have gone further" said Mr.. Tillman.
and have given salaries 10 the Sultan and his
dattos"
Mr. Hale again said that if these monstrous cen
ditions exist in the Philippines and receive the'
sanction of this government or of the Senate the
fact had certainly not been appreciated By him.
Mr. TilInan suggested that the Philippine Islands
are governed by Secretary Taft, under the Presi-
dent OF the United States
Mr. Hale said he did not think that relation
toward the islands would prevent the Secretary OF
reporting actual conditions in the Philip
pine Islands.
L am not prepared" he said Ito say that the
Secretary OF War has suppressed important facts
concerning the Philippines The-presumpton is
we have been told the whole truth"
Mr Hale asked that the paragraphs relating to
slavery be passed in order that full inforna- |
ton might be received concerning 1t, and Senator
Heyb,rn agreed 20 that plan.
Senator Sutherland spoke in favor of retaining
the sections against slavery saying that the
Pacific Coast IT had been shown that Chinese
women had been actually sold into slavery.
Mr Lodge said it well known that in the
islands of Bolo and Moro what known debt
slavery had existed. II also fact of common
knowledge that General Bates made agreement
by which slaves might purchase their freedom but
President Mckinley refused approve that treaty,
and shortly afterward slavery practically abo-
shed by executive military order. The organic act
Of 1902 contained a clause against slavery. and |
September "a, 1904 the Philippine commission pro- |
vided heavy penalties against persons who hold or
sell slaves.
The paragraphs relating 10 slavery were passed |
over and will come before the Senate for action