The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-28
THE WRONGS OF THE MAYAS
A Threatened Uprising of the Race
in Yucatan.
Prowess of n Once Powerful Band of
Indians I'm Mexico-Losing Ground
in Long Struggle for Independ-
ence-A Inst stand for Freedom.

According to recent reports Yucatan has
been threatened with another uprising Of
Indians. owing to the active measures
now being taken by the Mexican Govern
ment for the purpose of bringing the in
dependent natives to acknowledge It's au-
thority
In olden times the peninsula of Yucatan
was the home of a great nation whose
ruined cities are today admired by all
who see them. Nations. though longer
lived than individuals are similar In their
growth. maturity. and decay. The Maya
nation reached its zenith. held an impor-
tant place for centuries, and declined; II
had ceased to be great long before the ar
rival of the Spanish invaders, but the ma
tives. being OF heroic mold, resisted the
white mans firearms during quarter Of
century, they themselves possessing
none; and the people Of pure Maya stock
were vanquished only when the many
aliens inhabiting the peninsula had be-
come allies of the Europeans.
Centuries of slavery under Spain, and
oppression after they were granted the
title of free Mexican citizens, failed to
stifle the spirit that had made the Mayas
a power in ages gone by. Their first up
rising in the nineteenth century was in
1885, and after two years Of constant
fighting a few thousand declared them
selves independent. and built their city.
Chan-Santa-Cruz Qittle Holy Crosse, in
the southeastern part of the peninsula
Ever since that time there has been moro
or less war between these and the other
inhabitants of the land, until about ten
years ago, when the Indians ceased to
trouble the Mexican settlements. These.
meanwhile, have been enjoying an era of
prosperity, due to the cultivation OF hemp,
and a spirit of enterprise having taken
possession of wealthy landowners, it was
decided to build a railroad across the
PENINSULA. through the territory held by
the Indians. Therefore, in order to force
these to recognize the Mexican Govern
merit and keep the peace. few thousand
federals. commanded by General Bravo,
started out some time ago. 1t was short
sighted policy which dictated this step;
the writer has had abundant opportunity
to study the Mayas, and is convinced that
friendly advances on the part of the au-
therities would have brought about salts
factory results.
The first consequence of the aggressive
action was that the Indians Immediately
endeavored to win over to their side some
of those who had hitherto lived and toiled
on the haciendas of the white men. They
succeeded because many Of these pacific
Indians were smarting under petty acts
OF injustice and needed but slight in
centiye to prepare for a second uprising.
Such were the exactiOns placed upon
those of certain districts that they had
not even time to attend to their corn
fields, corn being their staff of life. Be
cause of this many deserted their villages.
retiring into the forests in their endeavor
to get beyond the reach of Government
officials. But the authorities followed
them up, promising better conditions. and
induced the the families to return to their
former domiciles. One small community,
in leaving their village. had set it on fire,
and these would not return Meanwhile
the white people in the disturbed districts
also deserted their places of residence to
take refuge in more denSely populated
centres. fearing the machetes of the In
dams in case of a successful uprising; SO
pa nic-stricken were some families that
they left their houses open and abandoned
everything therein, even their infants,
say the Merida papers-and these are not
given to exaggeration.
Fortunately for the white inhabitants,
some Indians who were captured by Mex
lean soldiers were induced to reveal the
fact that the Indians had planned to fall
in great numbers upon Valladolid. in the
east at the time of the full moor, enter
ing the city on all sides at once Many
arrests were made and a massacre was
thus prevented, Mexico sending several
thousand additional federals to make any
uprising impossible. 1t is, therefore, safe
to say that the day is not far of when the
Mayas will have TO take their last stand,
fight to the death or surrender. Papers
lust received from Merida make 1t plain
that the natives are losing ground, the
federals slowly but surely advancing upon
their stronghold, Chan-Santa-Cruz, Wnere
they are expected TO meet with stubborn
resistance Notwithstanding their superior
armament and discipline.-Alice D. LIE
Advertiser.