The Spanish Government of Sulu was entirely under martial law, and the Europeans (mostly military men) were constantly on the alert for the ever-recurring attacks of the natives. The general aspect of Sulu (Jolo) is cheerful and attractive. The day scene, enlivened by the Moro, passing to and fro with his lithe gait, in gay attire, with the _barong_ in a huge sash, and every white man, soldier or civilian, carrying arms in self-defence, may well inflame the imaginative and romantic mind. One can hardly believe one is still in the Philippines. At night, the shaded avenues, bordered by stately trees, illuminated by a hundred lamps, present a beautiful, picturesque scene which carries the memory far, far away from the surrounding savage races. Yet all may change in a trice. There is a hue and cry; a Moro has run _amok_--his glistening weapon within a foot of his escaping victim; the Christian native hiding away in fear, and the European off in pursuit of the common foe; there is a tramping of feet, a cracking of firearms; the Moro is biting the dust, and the memory is brought abruptly back from imagination's flights to full realization of one's Mahometan _entourage_. By a decree dated September 24, 1877, all the natives, and other races or nationalities settled there, were exempted from all kinds of contributions or taxes for 10 years. In 1887 the term was extended for another 10 years; hence, no imposts being levied, all the Spaniards had to do was to maintain their prestige with peace. In his relations with the Spaniards, the Sultan held the title of Excellency, and he, as well as several chiefs, received annual pensions from the Government at the following rates:-- Pesos. Sultan of Sulu 2,400 Sultan of Mindanao 1,000 Datto Beraduren, heir to the Sulu Sultanate 700 Paduca Datto Alimudin, of Sulu 600 Datto Amiral, of Mindanao 800 Other minor pensions 600 ===== P6,100 and an allowance of 2 pesos for each captive rescued, and 3 pesos for each pirate caught, whether in Sulu or Mindanao waters. The Sultan is the _Majasari_ (the stainless, the spotless)--the Pontiff-king--the chief of the State and the Church; but it is said that he acknowledges the Sultan of Turkey as the _Padishah_. He is the irresponsible lord and master of all life and property among his subjects, although in his decrees he is advised by a Council of Elders.