piles and are in rows or streets with a platform to walk upon between them about six feet wide.
"These
rows of buildings extend into the sea for half a mile over a shoal
which is nearly dry at low water. The population is numerous, mostly
native fishermen and Chinese traders. The country in the neighborhood
of Jolo is highly cultivated, consisting, with intervals of jungle, of
pasture grounds and gardens very flourishing and pretty with abundance
of cattle. . . .
"Next
day was market day. The mountaineers came down in parties from six to
twelve, mounted on well-formed little horses or oxen according to their
rank and means; on these they sat with greaceful ease, spear in hand;
they were all well armed besides, with shield and kris; in some
instances too we observed the heavy two-handed kampilan. They had a
wild and independent bearing, and when seen in groups, some standing,
some squatting, the women all chattering under the wide spreading tree,
they much increased the interest of the already picturesque scene. . .
."
Spain
evacuated Sulu in May, 1899. Jolo was garrisoned by American troops on
the same day, and on August 29th, General Bates concluded a treaty with
Sultan Jamalal Ki-ram II, and the sovereignty of Sulu passed from Spain
to the United States of America.
The
commanding officer at Jolo when I came to the island was Colonel Swift.
He had a charming wife and three equally charming daughters. The
Municipal Presidente or Mayor of the town was a Filipino who was full
of his own importance, while the principal Chinese residents, who under
the Spanish regime had been appointed headmen over their fellows and
had received the title of Capitan, were Tiana, Tandico and Oya. They
were strictly traders and minded their own business.
Jamalal
Kiram II was Sultan still. His Prime Minister was Hadji Butu. Amongst
the important Moros I remember the names of Hadji Tahil, Hadji Ousman,
Datu Tahil, Datu Indanan, besides other Datus and Panglimas or headmen.
