The Florence tribune., 1901-01-19
ANTONIO AzuL.
The Grand Old Man of the Pimas.

This eulogistic phrase may be ap- piled while in life to Chief Antonio Azul of Sacaton, Ariz. It will certain y be applied to him in his death, for as one examines into his career and its deeds of war and peace, . disinterested person is compelled to acknowledge that he is remarkable man. To him aschief must be given much credit for leading his people out of savagery and superstition and encouraging them to travel in the highway of progress. Missionaries and school teachers have done their part nobly and in a disin- terested spirit. But these were in vited to come among the Pimas thirty two years ago and the chief who de- livered the invitation was Antonio Azul.
 The penetrative intellect of this astute Indian must early have in- dicated infallibly that the few white men whom he had met were the pro- duets of civilization and came of race superior to his own. His message, which has become historic, was de livered in 1868 to General A. J. Alex ander, an officer of the regular army who was then stationed at Fort Me Dowell. There was then practically little civilization in Arizona. The army was the representative of the American people. There were few hardy settlers already here, but noth- ing to compare with those who have come later.
 General Alexander, under date of October IS, 1868, wrote an appeal to lady in New York state who was member of an association formed for mission work. This was followed by another from Mrs. Alexander, wife of the general, much to the same effect, emphasizing the opportunity for mis- sion work among the Pimas.
 Atthe same time the attenti ion of the government was directed to the Pimas, with the result that the agent ip charge, Captain F. E. Grossman of the U. S. army, reported favorably to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the matter of establishing 8 government school and mission, and liberal ap- propriation was made by the govern ment for it's maintenance and for the erection of buildings. The foregoing facts are gleancd from little book entitled, Among the Pimas," pub lished some years ago by Rev. Charles H. Cook of Sacaton.
 Antonio, from all accounts, was an able leader of his warriors and often headed them in battle against their inveterate foes, the Apaches. He was man who knew what to do in an emergency. This was demonstrated years ago when one of his sons was murdered by another Indian near whai is known as Adamsville. On hearing of the deed, Antonio gathered few oi his retainers together and proceeded to act as both judge and executioner.
 During the years that have inter
 vened since he delivered his invitation to the missionaries, Chief Antonio ha. consistently stood in favor of educa tion and civilization. Judge c. W
 Grouse, who was agent for term o
 years at Sacaton, said the other day O
 Antonio:
 "He js noble Indian. During m
 term ai, agent I was never obliged t
 appeal to him but what he aided m
 in every way possible. Accompanie
 by an interpreter, Antonio and mad
 many trips through the reservation
 and found I could invariably rely up
 on his judgment. He proved to be m
 right-hand man."
 Chief Antonio does uot ask any of hi
 people to do something that he is no
 willing himself to do. Hence he live in a comfortable two-story adot house, plastered both inside and out : side, and sleeps on comfortable be, . He wears good clothing and is neat attired, even to the point of wearing necktie. He is not ayerse to havin his picture taken under proper cond tions, and kindly sat for the koda . artist recently. He is consistel ], member of the Presbyterian churt < and enjoys attending it's services. I ( speaks very little English, howeve a and requires the services of an inte j preter to communicate with whi ] men.
 4 Chief Antonio is merchant as we q as head man of his tribe and has 6 store at San Tan, 8 settlement abo q three miles west of the agency. J only son is partner in the enterpris ] In addition to this, the chief is t
 possessor of upwards of four hundr f head of cattle. He is, in fact, a m o$ of very respectable means. and is
 puted to have no inconsiderable req
 money in place where he can eas