Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-15
MExICo's RURAL POLICE.
Its Unique Character, Emciency and
Method of Organization.

Its Unique Character, Emciency and
Method of OrEanixation.
From the st. Louis Globe Democrat.
Whatever the virtues and defects pertain
ing to her municipal police service, Mexico
may justly boast of the most efficient as
we'll as attractive system Of rural proteo-
ton to be found anywhere in our hend-
sphere. Apropos Of the particular turisdic-
ton to which it's authority extends, this
picturesque organization is known as the
federal corps Of rurales. The antecedents
of this powerful arm of the law are as full
Of romantic interest as its Subsequent rec
ord Is replets with brilliant accomplish
ments. When Gen. Porfirfo Diax launched
forth on his splendid career as CHIEF execu-
tive Of the then fnfantile Mexican repub-
iic all that vast territory extending from
the gulf to the Pacific. and from the Rio
Grande to the very gates Of the capital,
was infested and controlled by q prodigious
fraternity OF brtgands.
Operating in perfect harmony and I'M
der the direction of shrewd and crafty lead
ers this nefarious organization was a grave
menace to the future prosperity of the new
government. Besides the wholesale plum
dering of mines and haciendas everywhere
within their reach, one Of the principal
sources of revenue with these marauders
was the frequent concentration of their
forces about a town or village and the lay
ing Of an immense tribute on the COM
munity. The impoverished condition of the
republic at that period precluded the posi-
bility Of suppressing this appalling scourge
by force OF arms. And even had the neces-
sary finances been available, so formidable
were these outlaw foes and so inaccessible
their mountain stronghoids that 1t would
have required years in which to overcome
them.
But the marvellous tact of Gen. Diaz
proved equal to the emergency. Inviting
the bandit chieftains to a council he de-
sired of them statement as to the income
pro rata OF the members of the outlaw
band as result of their depredations Be-
ing furnished with this, the president as
tonished them with a proposition to pay
them salaries amounting to more than the
figures they had named providing they
would forsake their illegitimate practices
and become special mounted guard over
the same territory they were then terror
izing, with their present leaders to remain
In command. The overtures were at once
communicated to the various outlaw bands
constituting the baleful federation, with
the result that the great majority imme-
diately Joined their leaders in compact to
serve the government.
The outcome of the establishment of this
corps has been nothing short of phenom-
email. Naturally, among SO many, there
We're some who preferred to continue in
their former lawless vocation rather than
become useful servants Of society, but with
their former comrades to contend with this
obdurate minority was speedily extermi-
mated. Thus, for years past, thanks to the
untiring vigilance Of this regenerated fac
ton, the vast rural districts of Mexico have
been almost entirely free from the encroach-
ments of organized bands of robbers. Their
advent was the signal for a new era of
prosperity throughout northern Mexico, and
the erstwhile prosecuted hacieudadoes and
mine owners speedily came to entertain q
feeling Of security under the protection Of
their old-time foes.