It is indeed unthinkable that we should turn Mindanao over to the Moros.  Abandonment of it by us would in the end result in this, as they would take possession of the entire island in the course of time.  Neither the other wild tribes nor the Filipinos could stand against them.  I heartily agree with the conclusion that we must retain this island for many years before we can settle the problems which it presents.  It is further true that we might retain it and still grant independence to the remainder of the Philippine Archipelago, but if we are to eliminate Mindanao from consideration because the Filipinos have no right to control the Moros, of whom there are in reality only about a hundred and fifty-four thousand [332] on the island, and could not if they would, what about Luzon, where there are in reality no less than four hundred and sixty thousand non-Christians, [333] many of whom, like the Ifugaos, Bontoc Igorots, Kalingas and wild Tingians, are fierce fighters and practically all of whom are bitterly opposed to the thought of possible ultimate domination by Filipinos, while most of them welcome American rule?

Have the Filipinos any more moral right to control them than they have to control the Moros?  Could they control them if they would?  And has the most uncompromising advocate of the consent of the governed principle “a leg to stand on” in the one case if he lacks it in the other?

The Filipino politicians are not ready to admit that Filipinos could not satisfactorily govern Moros and have even alleged that they did so govern them during the period now under discussion.  Let us examine the facts.

Aguinaldo attempted to enter into negotiations with the Sultan of Jolo, addressing him as his “great and powerful brother,” [334] but this brother does not seem to have received his advances with enthusiasm, and the other brothers proceeded to do things to the Filipinos at the first opportunity.

Jose Roa in writing Aguinaldo on January 26, 1899, of conditions in the province of Misamis says:  [335]—­

“Hardly had said evacuation of Iligan taken place on the 28th of last month, when the Moros or Mohammedans of the interior, our mortal enemies since times immemorial on account of their religious fanaticism which they carry to extremes, as do their co-religionists in Europe and Asia, and on account of their objection to leading a civilized life, began to harry the town of Iligan which is the nearest town to the lake around which is the densest Moro population.  Due to the prestige of the local president of that town, Senor Carloto Sariol, and the energy that he showed, after some days of constant firing against groups who descended upon the suburbs of the town, he was successful in having them abandon their hostile attitude and promise to live in peace and harmony with said towns, this verbal agreement being participated in by the Dattos of some settlements who did not wish to treat with the Spanish Government.