The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-02-14
ROMANCE OF CRIME.

WASHINGTON, February 8.-The state dc
partment is in receipt of the details of the pur-
suit by Mexican troops and final killing of
the notorious bandit, Eraclio Bernal, the slayer
of Leon Baldwin, for whose death his widow
is now pressing a claim for indemnity against
the Mexican government.
The story of the life and death OF this 70
markable robDer is romantic in the extreme
He was born thirty-eight years ago in the state
of SinalOa, Mexico, and during his early man
hood bore the reputation of an industrious and
laW-abding citizen. Twelve years ago he was
arrested and convicted of a crime of which he
was afterward proved innocent Smarting
with shame and humiliation, he seized a des-
pcrate chance and effected his escape from
prison. He then Swore n solemn oath that his
future career would amply revenge the wrongs
he had suffered, and that if again imprisoned
it would be for good cause.
He left the village behind him and lay IL
hiding in the mountains until he had gathered
about him as wild and lawless a band of cut
threats as ever followed desperate leader
BernatS great stature, perlectNSnorancc Of
fear, and rude but keen sense of Justice made
him at once admired and respected by the
Williams with whom he had surrounded
himsel. lie set out at once upon a system
attic career of pilage and violence, at first
Cpn!ining himself TO waylaying stage coaches
ro5binS the passengers and killing those who
offered resistance. Growing holder as his
band became larger, he descended upon out
lying bamcts, and often laid whole villages
under contribution, carrying off by force every
thing that vas denied him.
Young girls we're frequently kidnapped and
taken to the mountain Businesses OF the band.
where they were held until heavily ran
somcd. His journeys were made by night,
and his faYorite method Of pilla9ing a town
was to occt one twenty or thirty miles from
his camp, and after o hard ride fall upon it
like wolf Just at daybreak.
After the death OF Leon Baldwin Bernal' 5
band threatened the lives Of a number Of Mex
lean mulc-packcrs unless they would leave tho
services OF the Americans. Several refused to
do SO, and were killed. Crippin Graca and
George Avon, relatives Of the dead men
started out alone in search Of the outlaws den.
They found Bernal, surrounded by a few
followers, encamped the top
Of a mountain In the hope
Of capturing him alive, they returned
to the mines, where n few soldiers were sta
toned under Lieutenant Fernandez. With
twenty men Fernandez set out for the camD Of
the outlaws. The inhabitants Of neighbOr
ing yilage-Antonio del CaTo-were
aroused, aud a number Of thom organized and
placed under the command OF Juan Irrara.
Under the guidance Of Garcia and Avon, the
little band toled M the mountain side under
cover Of night. After pcri!uu3 climb among
rocks and rayncs they arrived near the sum
init, whore they formed a coriOn around the
camp.
Catching sight OF a swarthy face among tho
rocks, Garcia fired his rifle the signal for tho
stack. Bcrno himself led several impctuous
charges against the villagers aud fought dcs-
pcratcly for more than an hour The conflict
was hand 10 hand, and Bcjual WAC finally sep
arated from his band. Having empticl his re-
yoiyer and rife, he dubbed tie latter and
rushed at Garcia who lcyeiet his pistol and
shot the outlaw dead.
The reward Of $1,000 offered By the state Of
SIaloa for Bemals head h1s boon paid 10
{ Garcia. The death Of BcuIal has greatly re
lCyCd the tggroTj1cd pros uoc5 Of SihalOa aud
/ Durango, and the mining operations Of the
American and other companies are being car
iied On without tear or HolCstAtiOn. This inn
proved atate 81 affairs has boon mainly brought
about tluougli the appeals Of Mrs Baldwin
and the American residents Of those provinces
recognize and appreciate her ciioIb in thoir
behalf