The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-10-12
wrath and stated:

wrath and stated: EG
II there is anything In the Phillips
pines akin to slavery or compulsory
service. 1t cannot be found in the prov-
inces to which tho Legislative jurisdic-
ton OF the Assembly extends Should
there be such thing in tho territories
Inhabited by the fow non Christian
fiiipinos. which arc under tho excIu&
sive control of tho Philippine commis-
sion. am sure tho shareholders can
only DO the government officials, who
are appointed by tho Secretary of tho
Interior. tho Hon. Dean G. Worcester,
tho head Of the executive department
In charge of said territories"
But tho reports lately received by thu
Secretary of War state slavery does
exist in tho territory under tho au1
thoiity OF tho Philippine Assembly.
Included in this territory are Pans
panga, where tho little Negrito orr
phans are sold after tho manner al
read described Cagayan. where chil-
dren arc reported by district official
to be enslaved. whipped and subject
to work at all times'. Isabella, where
Professor Worcester says slavery Is
+, still common; Romblon whose native
Lieutenant Governor during the sum-
mer Just passed has reported on his
recent efforts to have returned to their
parents 4 large group Of children en-
tccd from school. sold for So apiece:
| numerous other provinces" where Pros
fessor Worcester says slavery prevails,
All OF these have personalities in the
Assembly.
Why Asscmblymcn Are Stubborn.
Without hesitation" says Professor
Worcester, II express the opinion that,
apart from q false and foolish pride
which makes the persons concerned
unwilling 10 admit the existence OF
slavery, the chief reason why Assem-.
I h "a n1,,.
have tabled is that Ii would not only
prohibit and pcnalize slavery. but
would necessarily also prohibit and
penalizo pconaGe. which is so common
and widespread that 1t must be called
general. Indeed. / have no hesitation
N asserting that 1t prevails in every
municipality In the Philippine Islandso
While on his last visit of inspec-
ton to Palawan. Professor Worcestee
says he received reports that Assem-
oiyman Sandoval, who represents tho
province in the legislature had. when
he attended that body last year, taken
a young native girl to Manila promis-
ing 70 put her In school, but that in
stead. he had compelled her to work
for him as n house servant She es-
capped. but no recaptured her and re-
turned her TO Manila. Il have not
made the slightest effort to get the
peonage records OF Philippine Assem-
blymcn," adds Professor Worcester.
but have taken cases rs they came,
yet three or the relatively very limit
cd number furnished me concern
members or ex-members OF the Assem-
bly, Is II any wonder that that body
refuses to consider q law prohibiting
and penalizing peonage?"
\ bill to abolish Philippine slavery
and pconaEe in every form Is to be In
PRODUCED in our Congress by Senator
Borah. OF Idaho. whose resolution call
ing upon the Secretary OF War brought
to light the facts in the Worcester
report. and who is appalled, by the
further revelations Of the Phipps re-
! port
| After returning to the United States.
/ Professor Worcester viii devote some
| time TO lecturinC in favor OF abolition
OF slavery in the archipelago.
Copyright, 1913, by John Elfreth
Wa,kins0