New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-08-26
ConuresS Accepts WorCester's
Report, Outlined in The Trib-
une, as Direct Proof.
70 CALL FOR INFORMATION
Senate Expected to Take Action
Despite the Statement of
the Secretary of War
Made in May Last.
From The Tribune Bureaul

Washington. Aug. 25.-In the face Of
denials from the Secretary of War that
there is any evidence, either in the War
Department or the Bureau Of Insular At
fairs. bearing directly or indirectly upon
the truth OF the charge that human slav-
cry exists at this time In the Philippine
Islands" It is probable that the eradica-
ton Of the evil will be presented 10
Congress as a subject for special consid-
Grafton during the forthcoming session.
II is apparent that Congress has ac-
CURED knowledge or the situation at first
hand In spite Of the denials Of the Sec
rotary Of War. and the apparent attempt
Of the administration 10 suppress the
facts information has been obtained that
slavery does exist in the Philippines.
The report of Dean c. Worcester. sec
rotary OF the Interior for the Philippines.
which was outlined in The Tribune this
morning. is accepted as proof Of the
charge II the War Department is with
out the information It is apparent that
the Senate is cognizant OF conditions in
the islands. and that DR.. Worcester. vho
Is an authority on the subject. has COM
municated with members Of Congress.
In view of the report OF DR.. Worcester
Senator Borah will probably introduce a
resolution asking the War Department
for further Information. Whether this is
forthcoming or not. an effort probably will
be made 10 enact legislation making II
q felony for officials Of the Philippine
government to fail to enforce legislation
against slavery, and II is possible that
more stringent legislation will follow II
the Philippine Assembly does not act
Senators Suspect Secretary.
There is a suspicion in the Senate that
the Secretary Of War. or officials under
him, have not been entirely frank in dis
closing conditions in the Philippines re-
lating TO slavery. In reply 10 the request
Of the Senate. Secretary Garrison said.
In communication dated May I:
There is not in this department, 10 the
knowledge OF the Secretary thereof. or
Of the head of the bureau having charge
of insular affairs, q record of any facts
bearing, directly or indirectly, upon the
truth Of the charge. publicly made, that
human slavery exists at this time in the
Philippine Islands, and that human
beings are bought and sold in such ISL
ands as chattels.
The only information concerning this
matter OF which there is any record in
this department. or the branch OF II hav-
ing TO so with insular affairs, is the fol-
lowing:
I'm a hearing before the Committee on
Insular Affairs Of the House OF Repre-
sentatives on Wednesday. February 10.
1904 Mr.. Taft, then Secretary of War.
said:
81 have no doubt that slavery con-
tinues in part OF the Moro Province and
that there is some slavery In some Of
the Christian Filipino provinces that lie
near TO the mountain tribes This latter
we are trying hard TO eliminate. I had a
report from a constabulary officer from
the Province Of Isabella saying that II
was not the general custom. but that It
was not uncommon for hill tribe parents
10 bring their children into Filipino viii
lage and TO sell child TO a wealthy man
in the village, who would use him as a
servant. That is contrary 10 law. and we
have directed prosecution In every case
brought TO our attention"