Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-07-24
BOSS SHEPHERD IN MEXICO
PARKWAY HOME OF wasHINGToN.s
FORMER RULER.
His Mines Have Made Him n Multi
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Expericnccs-
Brigands Who Treated Him Well.
From the New York Sun.

From the New York Sun.
AUSTIN. Tex. July 22.-'The published
accounts of the attack recently made on
the life of Alexander r. Shepherd by a
Mexican peon were considerably over
drawn said Henry Mattison. a mining
man Of Guanacevi. Mexico, who is here
visiting relatives. Il was at Batopilas at
the time the incident occurred and II was
looked upon by Mr.. Shepherd as OF such
little consequence that he doubtless forgot
all about & in a few hours Ii was very
tame experience for Mr. Shepherd COM
pared with some which he has gone
through since taking up his residence in
that distant and almost impenetrable re-
gion OF Mexico many years ago
when Boss Shepherd left his home in
washington many years ago for Mexico
to recoup his fortunes that country was
not enjoying the peace which IL is today.
The mountains were the haunts Of many
bands of brigands. who did not hesitate TO
attack and sack villages and mining
camps. When he located at Batopilas that
place was of very little Importance as a
mining camp. Not only did Mr. Shepherd
Improve the mines by putting in modern
machinery. &c, but he has also improved
and beautifed the town until Il is one of
the most delightful and attractive places
in Mexico
He exercised the same wise Judgment In
lIllS llttle mining camp he did
IN the great work of laying off Washington
into streets and avenues, parks &C. and
the stranger who visits the remote place lis
astounded at the beauties OF the place Ba-
topilas Is situated about 80 miles from the
city of Chihuahua, which is the nearest
railroad point. The trip to and from the
town is one which few care to undertake
me route Is over high and steep noun
tains and through narrow CLUTCHES
Mr.. Shepherds experiences during the
nrst lew years OF his residence al Batopilas
were full Of excitement and real danger
de was surrounded by desperate SET OF
MeXicans. who would not hesitate TO take
mis- lie for the value of a cigarette IL a
favorable opportunity was offered. Ii was
frequent occurrence for mule trains 60
ing between Batopilas and chihuahua TO
De held up by brigands. / have often heard
MI Shepherd relate his first experience
with these outlaws.
He was going from chihuahua to Bato-
pilas. accompanied by two Mexican mozos,
or Mexican servants. They We're riding
those little mountain burros, which ere
used exclusively in the rough travel of
that part OF Mexico They had tust en-
tered mountain pass when a shower of
rocks Tell In front of the burros. Mr.. Shep-
nero and his moZos looked up and eaw
about fifty feet above them on an over
hanging clir the forms of five Mexicans
all dressed in charro suits and each with
rife pointed directly at Mr.. Shepherds
head.
Mr.. Shepherd was so terrified that he
presence of mind TO throw up his hands
and keep them up until one of the bandits
lelsureiy made his way down and politely
told him that they meant him no harm and
that they simply wanted what money and
valuables he had with him. Mr.. Shepherd
complied with the demand very readily end
he and his mozos were then taken in
charge by the brigands and escorted
through the mining pass to a nearby cave
where the bandits had a store of good
things Mr.. Shepherd accepted an invita-
ton TO remain to dinner and a fine repast
was set and enjoyed by the visitor. After
dinner escort of two bandits was Je-
tailed to accompany Mr.. Shepherd to with
in few miles of Batopilas. Mr.. Shepherd
was so well treated by the bandits that he
never reported the robbery to the Mexican
authorities.
''Since the development Of the mines at
Batopilas has become so great the ship
ments OF silver and bullion from that camp
are very large. About every two weeks Il
conducta, as II is called leaves Batopilas
for chihuahua loaded with silver bullion.
The average amount Of bullion in each OF
these shipments Is probably S15ooo.
guard always accompanies these shipments,
although there is little need for such pre-
caution as the day of the brigand has about
passed in Mexico
Although Boss Shepherd is a multi-mll-
lianaire 1t is unlikely that he will ever
return to the United States to reside He
likes his distant Mexican home and will
probably pass the remainder of his days in
lively interest in the affairs of the thriv-
ing mining camp Through his efforts the
place has a large public library. which Is
freely patronized by the men in his EN-
ploy.
Mr.. Shepherd ha. beautiful home there
and his family Is surrounded with all the
comforts and luxur!es that money can buy.
1t Is related that several years ago Mr..
Shepherd decided to install a piano in his
Batopilas home. He bought a fine instr1-
ment In New York city and ordered 1t
shipped to Chihuahua, the nearest railroad
point. At chihuahua II was taken apart
and the pieces strapped onto the backs OF
burros and the long trip over the noun
tainS was begun.
THE house which sold the piano .ent an
expert man along with 1t to take il apart
and put 1t together again when the desti-
nation was reached. After many long days
the train Of pack mules reached Batopilas
and the instrument was set up in the par
lor Of Mr. Shepherds home, where 1t still
remains. 1t is said that the piano cost
Mr.. Shepherd more than 5000 He no..
family carriage which was bought in the
United States and shipped over the noun
tains on the backs OF burros.