SULTAN OF SULU.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 7, 9 January 1937, Page 14

SULTAN OF SULU.

Copi/rli/lit —"Chicago Tribune"' and "\cto York Jicxct" Services. '

SUCCESSION DISPUTE. NEW RIFT AMONG THE MOROS. MANILA. Talk of a new rift among the Moros over the Sultanate of Sulu appeared as Moslems from all over the Sulu archipc ago gathered at the Maiiiibung capital for the funeral of Sultan Mawallil Wasit.

Some observers said the claim of the 40-year-old Princess Dayang Dayang to the throne was strengthened because Sultan Wasit died before coronation, leaving his only son, Ismale, without the formal title of Crown Prince.

Princess Dayang acted for a time as Sultana, and laid claim to the throne upon the death last June of her foster father, the old Sultan Jamaln'l Kiram, but powerful Moro factions decided upon Wasit as the successor.

Physicians attributed Wasit's death to heart trouble. Associates said «ie was much worried over the division of the Moros, which followed his succession to the Sultanate.

Tt was said Wasit had sought* the support of the Princess upon her return from Manila. In one quarter it was reported, but not confirmed, that Dayang had promised him she would relinquish" her claim as Sultana.

A Maimbung report said Wasit. on his deathbed, designated Ismale as his successor. The Moro chieftains, however, may take a hand in the selection, as they did at the death of Kiram.

The old Sultan Kiram's will may have some bearing on the succession. It is to be opened and read at Jolo.

The Sultanate represents spiritual leadership over .'>oo.ooo warlike Moslems inhabiting the Philippine province of Snlu and British North Borneo. Front the latter territory the Sultan receive* a pension of £«00 annually.