The document summarizes the Bates Treaty of 1899 between Brigadier General John C. Bates of the U.S. and the Sultan of Sulu, which recognized American sovereignty over Moro territories in exchange for monthly stipends for the Sultan and his datus totaling $9,000 Mexican dollars annually, prohibited firearms, and suppressed piracy while allowing land purchases and not persecuting their religion.

1. First step towards the
dissolution of Moro sovereignty
and the dismantling of the Sulu
Sultanate.

2.  Signed: Brig General John C. Bates (US)
Sultan of Jolo (Sulu)
 Date: August 20, 1899

3.  Promised to uphold mutual respect
between the U.S and the sultanate of sulu.
 Not give or sell sulu or any part of it.
 Sultan and his datus were to receive
monthly payments
 The total payroll of the sultan and his
datus is about 9000 Mexican dollars a
year, altogether about 4500 dollars gold.

4.  American sovereignty over the moros shall
be recognize and there shall be no
persecution against religion.
 United States shall occupy and control
parts of the archipelago as public interest
demands.
 Any person may purchase land.
 Firearms shall be prohibited.
 Piracy shall be suppressed.