The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-05-07
FAC|O IS VIOLENTLY INSANE
The Mexican Political Exile At
tempts to Hang Himself.
He Is a Bitter Enemy of General
Diaz.
Appointed to Investigate the Intsrna-
tional Company, He Issued u PAM
phiet Chsrging the Mexican Au-
thorities with Corruption.


violently insane, says the San Francisco
Examiner. He believes that his enc
mics are seeking to asssssinste him,
and has twice tried to put an end to his
existence. The first time was about
three weeks ago at the receiving hospi-
tai, when he sought to cut the veins oil
his wrists. The second attempt at sui
eide was made last Saturday night at
the home of the inebriate, when he es-
sayed to hang himself by his cuspen-
ders.
Sanchez Facio was once prominent
figure in Mexican politics. For eight
years he WAS g member of the national
congress, and later was appointed in
spector OF the Mexican International
company. He made report upon it.
charging gross frauds with the conni-
vance OF the administration OF General
Disz. This report he forwarded 60 the
City of Mexico. while he himself pru-
IDENTITY came to San Francisco. Here for
several years Mr.. Fscio was quite prom
inent before the public; fret owing to
charges Of coHuption made by him
against his govsfnmentin the pamphlet,
THE Truth About Lower California"
and afterwards in legal difficulties in
which he became involved with
Mr.. Coney, the resident Mexican consul.
Later he obtained employment with the
Southern Pacific COMPANY as an en-
gneer. This position he lost last year,
when Mr.. Huntington proceeded to
make reductions oil along the line. For
while Mr.. Facio did nothing. Then ne
was appointed keeper OF the Mexican
archives under the state government.
but before he entered upon the dis
charge of bis duties his mind gave way.
He was found on Stockton street and
Broadway three weeks ago, hatless and
shoeless. surrounded by crowd OF Curl
GUS people, who he declared were trying
to lynch him. He was taken to the re-
ceiving hospital, and two wseks ago was
removed to the home for the inebriste
to await action by the commissioners OF
insanity. DIR. Potter, the superintend-
ent of the home, stated to an Examiner
reporter yesterday that Mr.. Facio was
undoubtedly insane. At times, after
the visit of peraons who know him, he
becomes extremely violent, and on Sat-
urdsy night last tried to commit suicide.
AN EvENTFuL CAREER.
Facio's has been en- eventful life, A
member OF one OF the best families OF
Jalapa, Mexico, he married the daughter
of one of the richest inhabitants of the
ancient and prosperous city of Guada-
lajara. A girl baby blessed their union.
Then a scandal broke out, and Facio
separated from his wife. Under the first
term Of President Diaz he was elected
to congress and served in that body
through the term of President Gonzales
from 1889 to 1884, one OF the most cor
rupt and unpopular administrations
which the sister republic has ever
known. Towards it's close the people of
the capital arose in indignation at the
Issue of nickel coinage. Fsclo. who
stood high in favor with the president.
was expected to defend him in congress.
Instead he administered 10 him q scath-
ing, which excited tine surprise, if not
was at the close of Gonzales term and
Facio had nothing to fear of the con.
sequences of his independence.
Then President Diaz entered upon his
second term of office, during which
Facio WAS appointed by General Psch-
eco. minister OF agriculture, to investi
gate the affairs OF the Mexican Interna.
tionsl mpsny. The company had been
granted "trip of land in Lower Cali
fornia extending 57.O7 miles south from
the American frontier, and embracing
1888, 100 acres. The company at that
time was anxious to sell its interests to
a syndicate of English capitalists. and
needed favorable report from Fscio.
His friends say that it offered him $780,
600 to THE end, which he heroically re-
fuEed. his enemies, however, declare
that he demanded this sum, and when it
was refused he dropped to SIS 900, which
the International company agreed to pay
him. Before tho bargain could be car
RED out information OF the matter
reached General Diaz, who thereupon
notified the company that If it paid
Facio one cent he would prosecute it
and take away its grant. In any event
Facio reported against the company, de-
clared that he dared not return to Mex
leo for fear OF his life, and Issued
pamphlet in which ne accused President
Disz and his friends of all kinds Of cor
ruption.
WAR WITH CONSUL CoNEY.
Consul Coney, who is 8 personal
friend of the president. soon became in
volved with Facio. He had the latter
arrested for blackmsil Facio was dis
charged, snd instituted a suit for $50, 900
damages against the consul, which in
turn was dismissed. Facio then became
interested in the proposed filibustering
OK peditiOn to Lower California, which,
becoming neissd through the press,
came to nothing. Since then his life has
been precarious one, and for some
time he has been tormented with the
mania OF persecution.
Although Mrs. Facio has been commu-