Omaha daily bee., 1899-08-10

this early age among their ranks. once in
possession OF a rife. which he would con-
trive to purchase from some one OF the many
American proepectors who we're continually
passing through their country, the lads
would hasten to join the hostiles in their
mountain rendezvous, Nor were the fighting
forces recruited only from amongst the men
and boys. In the summer Of 1892 thirty
faqui women In mems attire we're discovered
on different occasions among the slain after
the night battles. Oftentimes the women
were entirely depended upon for ammunition
and supplies, which they would secretly con-
vey to the warriors in their mountain
strongholds. The principal food on which the
Yaquis subslst In times OF war is penole, a
nutritious mixture, consisting of ground
parched corn, sugar and spices. When mixed
with water this compound is both palatable
and nourishing, and a single pound OF 1t
VIII furnish subsistence TO a Yaqui brave
for days.
The most noted Yaqui chief OF the present
century wac Cajemi. He was born in Sonora
In 1897, and during his boyhood attended the
local parochiai schools. At the age of 10
Cajemi Joined the Mexican army, in which
he rapidly advanced, becoming a captain at
Il. At rs he was made colonel, and shortly
afterward was detailed for duty as governor
OF the territory occupied by the Yaquis. In
this capacity he continued for three years,
at the expiration Of which time he was
ordered to rejoin his regiment at Vera Cruz.
Cajemi, however, had wearied of military
honors, and developed ambitions of another
character. Hence, instead OF complying with
his recall, he issued a proclamation, decrar-
ing the Yaquis a free nation under his
leadership. At this, General Pesqueira, gov
ernor Of Sonora, Immediately dispatched a
large body OF troops against him. This was
met by 1000 Yaquis, with Cajemi at their
head, and a terrific battle ensued. Though
vastly outnumbered, and ultimately obliged
to retire to the mountains, the Yaquis in
ficted great punishment on the Mexican
forces, who were unable to follow them.
For the succeeding three years General Pes
guerra kept up a desultory warfare against
Cajemi, at the expiration Of which time an
other powerful army was sent to annihilate
him. This latter force the Yaqui chiettain
intercepted with 1000 warriors at Capete-
maya, a crossing on the Mayo river. Here
another fierce engagement took place, re-
surfing in the advance OF the Mexicans being
stopped.
FRmou Battles.
The most celebrated OF the battles waged
against this remarkable chief, however, was
fought in a small valley near Caliente. In
this conflict, though outnumbered four to
one by the Mexicans, Cajemi and his warriors
came out victorious, the former losing 300
men, while the Yaquis lost but half that
number.
For two years subsequent to this crushing
defeat, the Mexicans did little more than act
on the defensive, and Cajemi was practically
In control OF the entire region, which he
terrorized by a constant guerrilla warfare.
In 1883 Cajemi took up a position in the
San Miguel mountains, and every effort on
the part OF the Mexicans to dislodge him
therefrom proved futile. Finally, General
Martinez, then in command Of the Mexican
troops, resorted to subterfuge in order to
decoy the Yaqui chief from his stronghold.
One day a priest, the godfather of Cajemi's
children, appeared in the camp Of the hos
tile tribes. Going before the chief, he rep
resented that General Martinez was weary of
the prolonged struggle and was willing
to make satisfactory terms with Cajemi,
provided he would meet him in council. At
first the willy chief declined to take the
risk, but eventually, after much persuasion
and every assurance Of security, he con-
sented TO accompany the priest under a flag
OF truce into the valley for the purpose Of
comforting with Martinez. No sooner had
he arrived there, however, than he was
seized and thrown into prison. A court
martial followed, in which Cajemi was ad-
judged guilty of treason, and sentenced to
be shot. His execution took place at a
point where fifty Mexican soldiers whom
his followers had slain lay buried. For
years afterward the scene of his death was
marked by a wooden cross.
When the Yaquis learned how their chief
had been betrayed and put to death they
were frantic with rage, and swore everlast-
ing vengeance, not only against the per-
petrators Of the deed, but against every
member OF their race. In Cajemi's stead
they chose a subchief known as Tetabiate,
who was distinguished for his reckless
courage and f%erocity. The next chief at
once instituted a campaign against the Mex
leans, the memory of which to this day in
spires the settlers OF that region with
horror. In every direction within a radius
OF $50 miles OF their mountain retreat, the
unsparing hand Of the Yaqui fell. During
the terrible months that followed the lives
Of hundreds of ranchmen, miners, travellers
and soldiers paid the forfeit of Mariners
treachery and for the first time in the his
tory OF the Yaquis 1t was reported that
women and children were numbered among
the slain.
Massacre Preeedes Peace.
Not long after his succession to the lead
erehip OF the hostile tribe, Tetabiate way
laid a company OF eighty Mexican soldiers
at Batamatal, within less than six miles Of
Guaymas, and slew every member OF the
command. He then killed a burro and, re-
moving it's skin, drew 1t over the body OF
the Mexican captain. To crown his au-
dacity he next raised the body on a pole
and conveying it to a point within plain
view OF Guaymas proceeded to taunt the
garrison by exhibiting his CHASTITY trophy.
The termination Of the last war against
the Yaquis in May, 1897, was characterized
by much ceremony. Satisfactory negotia-
lions having passed between the late Gen
eral Torres, commanding the Mexican troops,
and Chief Tetabiate, the latter appeared at
the village OF Ortiz, on the appointed day,
at the head of 800 warriors chosen to take
part In the demonstration An immense
stand had been erected In the center OF the
plaza and a great concourse Of people were
assembled from all over the surrounding
country to witness the great event. The
government was represented by General
Torres, at the head OF 1000 Mexican troops.
After the signatures OF the Yaqui chief
and the Mexican general had been affixed
to the treaty each made a speech to the
assembled multitude. General Torres in his