The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-17
of and the Golden Profits Yearly Ye

plate the Yaquis were forced to divuIge to
the Spaniards the sources OF their wealth
in silver, gold and prec Gus stones. The
"a pacity of the conquerors was not ats
fed with the impoverishment of the
aborigines.
They claimed their bodies as well and
for years and years after their conquest,
in fact until the beginning OF the present
century the miserable Yaquis were the
victims of tyranny that is only possible
where the Spanish race is dominant. Not
until it was discovered that so many of
the Indians had been killed that not
enough were left to work the mines did
the King of Spain issue a decree that in
some respects ameliorated the condition
of the slaves and prevented their ultimate
determination. The history of these
people during these three centuries of
oppression has not been written. 1t is
too bloody and cruel TO be recorded, but
this is known that the Yaquis preserved
that spirit of liberty which still flames
out so conspicuously to-day. Their hatred
of the Spanish races is as great as ever.
Preserving their tribal organizations,
the Yaquis, responding to the commands
of their chiefs, deserted their homes in
other parts of Mexico and repaired early
in the century to the State of Sonora a
country of mountain Businesses, fertile
plains, and capable of successful defense.
Here in the remote and inaccessible
heights of the Sierra Madre they estab-
lished their headquarters. meanwhile Gull
tivating with native art the fertile plains
and valleys, building houses OF stone,
constructing irrigating works and increas-
ing in mum bers and wealth. and defying
the armies that the republic periodically
sent out for their determination.
The wars b etween the Yaqus and Mex
leo have been costly and sanguinary in
the extreme. Invariably victory has re-
manned with the Indians. Their ability
to adapt conditions to their defense, their
skill as marksmen, their strategy and,
above all, their devotion to their country,
have contributed to their success.
In agricultural pursuits, weaving, pot
terry iron-working and III many other of
unitarian arts the Yaquis excel. When
fairly used they make excellent and faith
full servants. They are employed at rough
work on the railroads and are ever cheer
fu! and uncomp planning.
AS warriors they are fierce, brave, unre-
lenting and vindictive. They never take
live prisoner. 1t has been suspected that
the republic of Mexico utilizes the Yaquis
IN the punishment of regiments who are
insubordinate or suspected OF revolution
airy sentiments. a campaign against the
tribes effectually disposes of Unaffected
soldiers and lands them beyond the power
to cause further trouble But a brighter
day is dawning for this heroic race. An
American com pany has secured a concss-
sion to hundreds OF thousands of acres on
both sides OF the Yaqui river and will open
the fertile plains and valleys OF Sonora to
cultivation and settlement.
These lands produce, even under the
most primitive cultivation, three to four
crops year. All fruits of a tropical
nature grow in luxuriant profusion-
Everything requiring high temp erature
can be raised in the Sonora country, and
about the only laborers who can with
stand the torrid heat are the heroic
Yaquis. Under the supervision of the
American concession the Yaquis will be
employed. Mexico surrenders the con-
troll OF these unconquered Indians, VINO
have consented to be the vassals of the
good men from over the Rio Grande."
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