1. The undersigned chief, fully agreeing with the enlightened views set forth by the governor of Sulu, believes that the maintenance of the declaration of freedom of the port granted to Jolo is of the highest political moment and that the franchise should be extended to Siasi.
2. That in regard to indirect imposts which are of such a nature that, while they are a source of profit to the state, they bring also no small benefit to the tax-payer, these should be made applicable to the Sulu archipelago, as undoubtedly has been the case, as a matter of fact, up to the present time in regard to the stamp and lottery revenues.
3. Both for the reasons set forth by the governor of Sulu as well as for these given by his predecessor on June 11, 1893, in favor of a tax upon opium smokers, the undersigned chief believes that it is not only just but a matter of the greatest necessity to continue the imposition of this tax.
Your most illustrious Excellency will, however, order whatever he deems most expedient.
Manila, September 10th, 1897.
José Garcés de Marcilla.
Office of the Intendant-General of the Treasury,
Manila, December 28, 1897.
Let the report of the Chamber of Commerce and of the administration of customs of Manila be heard, within one and the same period of five days.