Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-01-16
BeFnal. the Bandit.
ROMANTIC CAREER OF THE MOST INTERESTING OUT
LAW THAT MEXICO HAS PRODUCED.

ROMANTIC CAREER OF THE MOST INTERESTING OUT
LAW THAT MEXICO HAS PRODUCED.
Correspondence of the Chicago Tribune
Ofcial confirmation has been received OF the
killing Of EracliO Bernal, the famous bandit
There was 10000 reward offered for the capture,
dead or alive, OF EracIi0 Bernal, the scourge OF
Sinaloa, the terror OF Durango. the most famous
bandit Of the many that this republic has pro-
duced. His name was greater terror 10 the de-
fenseleSs Inhabitants Of the Slerras than was the
name OF Attia TO the ancient Romans Bernal was
born at Moeria, Sinaloa, In the year 1850. He
was consequently thirty-eight years Old at the
time OF his death. He In his early manhood bore
the reputation OF law abiding and hard working
citizen About twelve years ago he was tried and
convicted OF crime OF which he was said to be
innocent. He escaped from prison, swear
ing that the authorities If they ever caught him
again would be really justified In condemning him
TO prison. He became a highwayman, and by the
holiness OF his misdeeds and the Skill displayed In
carrying them out soon became notorious. He
gathered around him a band OF men Of a like des-
perate character, who under his leadership terror
lZej most OF the districts or Sinaloa and Durango
AT first he limited himself to attacks the dill
genceS or stage-cOaches, but he soon increased In
boldness and would present himself before a haci-
enda village and levy tribute the citizens III
his terms were refused he would attack and pillage
the place. carry on all the booty, and If med re-
slstance were offered he would not hesitate to
murder the people. It is claimed that the bold
outlaw never killed men wilfully, or for the mere
pleasure OF killing, but only when resistance was
made 10 his demands or when 1t was necessary for
his own safety.
days later denial OF The news has invariably fol-
lowed. The state and federal authorities finally
decided 10 make determined and continuous ef-
fsrt TO pursue MeXicos FRA Diavoo" until he
should be captured or killed and his band of rob-
berS exterminated. For over two years the troops
have secured the mountains OF Sinaloa, have pene-
trated into almost inaccessible Businesses among
the rocks, and traied the outlaws through the
dense forests. Many were the conflicts between
the troops and the bandltti, but the former were
generally victorious. Many OF Bernal's companions
were captured ana shot, but the ubiquitous Eraclo
invariably managed TO give the authorities the
slip.
Bernal was tall and well built handsome and OF
strong constitution, and an ideal bandit He
always journeyed by night, on swift and well
trained horses When he intended to attack a
ranch or village he always selected one % or 80
miles distant from his camp, and after nights
ride, would make his appearance before II about
day break. He was true and kind to his loyal
though lawless, followers, and, though reckless
and bold by nature, he d yer exposed the lives OF
his comrades unnecessarily. He was OF jovial
disposition, but at times he was filled with melan-
choy as he thought OF his miserable past and
hopeless future. During these repentant moments
he would swoOp down on the nearest village TO
attend the parish church, and while the trembling
priest chanted the mass Bernal and his picturesque
band In the background would deyoutly cross
themselves and recite their prayers Then mount
wings OF the wind, leaving the villagers In peace
ful possession. These penitent mOOdSrarely were
OF long duration, and, perchance the same village
that had bee the scene OF his devotional exercises
would few days later, be selected for ravage and
| raplne.