Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-10-05
In NEED OF FOOD
Six Thousand Mexicans Rise
in Revolt
BECAUSE OF AWFUL FAMINE
Terrible Condition OF Affairs in Old Mex
ico-Troops Required to Pre-
serve Order.

SAN ANTONIO, Tex, Oct. 4.-Homer
Finlsy, formerly a we'll known citizen
of San Antonio, but who for the past
six years has been engaged in the mer-
camille business in the city OF Morlia.
Mexico, arrived here yesterday and
gave . vivid account Of the famine riot
which occurred In that city last Sun
day, and OF which but very brief men,
ton WAS made Ia the City OF Mexico
dispatches.
He stated that it was one of the most
exciting and pitiable scenes ever wit
messed in that part of the republic, and
that another serious outbreak OF the
same Is threatened at any time. Morlla
is the capital of the state of MIhoacan.
and the residence of the archbishop OF
the diocese.
1t is.one of the most beautiful cities
In Southern Mexico, but, notwithstand-
ing all Of It's attractions, its several
thousand poor people are on the verge
of starvation, owing to the total failure
OF the crop Tor the four seasons, and u
scarcity of ali other food supplies.
"When the famine was threatened
several months ago." said MIR. Finlay.
several of the wealthy merchants OF
Morlia contracted for large quantities
of corn in the United States, the total
shipments amounting TO 75. 900 bushels,
which Is enough TO have supplied the
suffering people. These spectators,
however, put up the prices, and ex-
torted what little money the poor peo-
pie had IN snort tiIie. For the past
two months the suffering among the
poor has been intense, and many
| deaths from starvation have occurred.
The streets became thrOngsd with beg
gars. and the hungry men, women and
children mace heartrending appeals
for help.
Organized . Mob.
"This was kept up until last Sunday
night, when the starving horde organ
lied themselves into a mob, and driven
by desperation, began concerted at
tack upon the feed stores Of the city.
There were fully 5000 people in the
MOB and the police were utterly power
less to stop its progress. One maiceria,
or feed store, after another was entered
and as but little corn was found the
frenzy of the mob increased. The two
regiments of Federal cavalry and one
of infantry, stationed at Morla, were
called out to Quell the riot, but
their appearance only added to the
desperation of the starving people.
The commander planted the soldiers In
front of the mob, but they fought
their way through, several persons be-
ing injured. General Morcads, the
governor of the state, by this time had
made his appearance, and came near
| falling victim to the vengeance of
the mob, who claimed that ne should
have taken steps to relieve their suffer
ings. The soldiers opened fire upon
the people, and one man was killed
and several wounded. Acting on the
| command of the leader, the mob
started for the granaries of Joseph
! Martinez, IN which 5000 bushels of corn
were stored. They broke down the
doors and supplied themselves with ali
each could carry away. AS their tenn
porary wants had been supplied the
mob quietly dispersed. | left Morlis
| on the following morning and will re.
main away until the excitement quiet.
| down."