New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-04
HADJI BUTU
As He Was Known by an American Who
Served in the Sulu Country

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: | have not had so much enjoyment
for a long time as extracted from the COM
ment Of "The Cleveland Plain Dealer on
Hadji Butu, which you quoted. As an en-
ploye Of the government, | was associated
with the Hadji for a year, and although !
do not know all there Is TO know Of him by
any means, 7 learned a great deal, which
suggested much more. Ny first introduction
10 this parsonage was a warning by the Gov
ernor against the wiles of the Hadji, whose
ability and Willingness, by the procuring OF
attractive native women or other means, 20
involve Americans connected with the gov
eminent who might be useful or inimical to
his enterprises was well known.
The thought Of an ardent polygamist-the
Hadii was, when I knew him, the possessor
Of eight wives and the reputed father Of
thrty-one children-gravely discharging the
duties of Senator OF q government when
does not recognize the right OF any man to
more than one wife at one time. suggests
large possibilities. II the Hadji should take
il into his head to transport his harem TO
Manila 10 reside, you could hardly blame the
ordinary Filipino, restricted to one wife and
regarded as criminal and severely punished
if he endeavors to realize an ambition TO
possess more than one spouse, from ques-
toning.
For years the Hadj has been a political
pensioner, paid by the government TO do as
little harm as possible. His position as a
nominal representative of the government
gave him great advantages in working against
the government and violating its laws in a
quiet, profitable way which advantages ]
believe ne utilized very conscientiously. His
successful career as a smuggler is note.
worthy. 7 vividy recall scene In which
Captain ". o. Reed, then Governor of the
Sulu district of the Moro province, congrat
ulated the Hadji publicly and without taking
the trouble to veil his sarcasm upon his sue
cess in landing cargo Of struggled goods
which the sleuths of the government had
been on the watch for and had failed TO
capture.
The Hadji seemed not greatly troubled By
the accusation and made no effort to chal-
lenge it. To give the devil his due, do not
believe the Hadji was ever caught with the
struggled goods. being far too crafty, and he
has amassed some wealth by ways that are
certainly dark and tricks assuredly not vain.
But now that he has access TO the infinitely
richer spois of the Philippine Treasury,
presume the Hadji will dsdan TO continue
the undignfed and comparatively unproht-
able traffic OF smuggling, although it may be
that his enlarged powers and influence will
induce him to go into II on a larger scale.
Altogether it is screamingly funny 70
imagine the notorious Hadji Butu function
ing as a Senator, although on second thought
the mirth is tempered by reflection upon the
pathos and tragedy of people delivered by
our government into the hands Of such un-
scrupulous characters as Hadji Butu.
II running mate for the Hadji were de-
sired, I might suggest that the Governor Gen
eral appoint the celebrated strong-ain man
and pirate Of Jolo, Mongoona, alias Ramon
Rodriguez. This pair would be unavoidable.
l.. D. HAWKINS.
Brooklyn, Dec. /, 1916.