The Indianapolis journal., 1895-07-07

nearly two-thfrds or the soil was again
In their power. One Maya clan, called
Icaiches. though Independent. recognize
the Campeche government; they fear the
Chan Santa Cruz Indians. having been
whipped by them in fair fight. At place
called Tulum, on the coast, there is an
other settlement of Indians who are on
friendly terms with those OF Chan Santa
Cruz.
The way in which the Indians carry on
war Is to send out a few hundred men
to attack ranch, village, or town at day
light, their purpose being to burn, sack.
and to take captives back TO their own
city. utilizing them to carry the booty.
When their own settlements are invaded
by white men they fight in ambush in
small bands. endeavoring to surround
and cut of the retreat of the invaders.
In this way they have destroyed Mexi-
can troops and taken their cannon
The trading port Of the Indians Is Bac-
alar longitude west from Greenwich IS
degrees 80 minutes. latitude north is de-
grees 80 minutes), a town on the west
shore Of Lake Bacalar, which is fifteen
miles long and about twenty miles from
the northern frontier Of British Hondu-
ras. In 1S48 the Indians took IL after a
three days siege. though 1t cost them
many lives, the place being walled and
defended with cannon. They frequently
shouted: Don't waste your shot, We
shall take you in the end!' On taking
possession they did not hurt or offend
one person-only seized all weapons, al
lowing each person TO depart with all
portable property. and free from all in
suit or injury. They dwelt In the va
Gated houses without destroying or ap-
propriating anything. A year later sol
diers retook the place by surprise. A sec
ond time the Indians captured IL, and
then, to avoid another surprise, de-
stroyed the wall. Now they keep troops
of their own on duty at that place.
Thither traders come from British Hon.
Indian chiefs.
PERSONAL TRAITS.
The Yucatan Indians, those who are
free, as well as those under Mexican
control, are always clean and neat,
dressed from throat to ankles in white
cotton garments. Their houses, general
| ly having stone walls and thatched
roofs, are very sparsely furnished. In
eating they are remarkably abstemious.
The code of morals is severe. They Kill
their captfves or make them work, but
submit none to other indignities. Women
are not compelled to marry if they say
that they are already wives They do
not kill any captive who has knowledge
| that can be impaired to them. or a gift
| that man contribute to their pleasure.
| All musicians are spared. They now
| have among them excellent workmen,
| even jewelers.; also teachers for their
| public schools, where the young or both
| sexes are educated. A band OF musi-
clans is supplied with instruments from
British Honduras. 1t is we'll known that
an indian will walk many miles to pay
a few cents at the time promised; conse-
quently their credit is good in Balize
| where they purchase dry goods, wine
| potted meats. cheese, butter, perfumes
| and other things. No merchant hesi-
tates to give them credit for few hun
| dred dollars, but they generally pay
leash. From their territory woodcutters
obtain much logwood, paying $500 year
for the privilege and fair protection,
| which is faithfully given.
In January, 1884, in the presence OF the
Hon. H Fowler, then Governor pro tenn
/ pore of British Honduras, preliminary
| agreement was signed by some or the
| Indian chiefs for the recognition OF the
Mexican government and the appoint
ment of officials subject to the approval
of the Indians. The agreement also pro-
yided for the mutual surrender Oh cran'
inals. General Canto, OF ucatan
i placed the matter before the federai gov
\ ernment. His plan was rejected
The Indians are no longer aggressive
hut their present standing deprlves tht
Mexicans of the most fertile part OF the
peninsula, extensive forests, rich in val
| nable timber So that even low the
white mans conquest Of Yucatan is no'
complete. though begun 3sS years ago
If Mexico wishes to exterminate tht
Chan Santa Cruz Indians, 1t Will be
not very difficult thing to accomplish
for those people have greatly deterio'
rated both mentally and physically dur.
ing the last quarter of a century owlne
to the excessive use of alcoholic stimu
1 Ion re