Semi-weekly herald., 1912-08-22
CONDITION
IN MEXICO
Mormon Refugees Tell
Of Cruelty al Hands
of RedeIS

loved ones and escape with
barely enough clothing to protect
them from the elements was the eX-
perience of Mr.. and Mrs. j. Por-
ter and the grand children ard Mrs
Myrtle Palmer and five children who
arrived last night from Pachico, Chi
huahua, on the way to Fruitlard. n.
NJ, to join relatives, some old resi-
dents there and other among the
Mormon refugees who have imme-
diately preceded them.
A few months ago when the lives
and property of the Mormons was
first threatened by rebels Madero's
government promised protection and
for a time their fears were allayed
Suddenly every man of their num-
ber had his weapons of defense ta-
ken away from them. Then begun
a series of petty annoyances which
steadily grew to be of serious ma
ture. Twice the word came from
the United States government for
them to leave but they still had hopes
that they might remain in country
where they had heretofore been free
from persecution and had enjoyed
such great measure of financial
prosperity.
Three weeks ago conditions be-
came so serious that the president of
the Mormon church ordered them to
take their departure from Mexico at
once. AS fast as possible the com
mand was obeyed but not until one
of their neighbors had met death
at the hands of the rebels, others had
suffered all sorts of indignities and
great. amount of property has
been destroyed.
The men insisted the women and
children should receive first con-
sideration in reaching place of safe
ty Among the thousands sent out
only enough men accompanied them
to care for their immediate wants.
Their valuable belongings they left
behind Many of the number fled
with only the clothing they had on.
Others hastily gathered together a
few priced belongings. Mrs. Porter
sons escaped in the night with 500
head of horses, their own property,
which the rebels had annexed to their
possessions. Mrs. Palmer left behind
property valued at $4,000 in addi-
ton to beautiful home.
Trains carrying as many as 800
people were run daily. Many had
Accommodations in box cars. On the
train which brought the Palmers' and
Porters to safety there were
600 passengers. The trip to Ell Paso
occupied nearly half day. In
addition to this they had to make
an overland journey of 30 miles to
reach the railroad.
The day following their arrival in
the United States the railroad bridge
over which they passed were burned
and the road put out Of commission.
For two weeks they waited in Ell
Paso for the United States govern
ment to take steps to put stop to
the trouble but their waiting proved
to be in vain and they decided to cast
their lot with their more favored
friends in the vicinity of Fruitland
The Mormon church furnished trans
portation and provided them with the
necessities of life on the way.
Mrs. Porter says the Mexicans
have little regard for citizens of the
United States, the government or the
head of the government, especially
the latter They declare the chief of
ficials are by nature Ultimate COW.
ards and they sneeringly designate
them by names they consider appro
pirate. They say that one Mexican
rebel is equal to three citizens of th'
United States and should they en-
gage in battle their countrymel
would be certain victors. The mem
bers of this party were far too 10y
al to the United States to be abl'
to discuss the rebel point of viev
without growing exceedingly heate'
over the matter.
This afternoon the worn, worries
and weary travellers boarded the Re
Apple train on the last stages of tn
journey. After the tragic experienc
which have been their portion the
look toward Fruitland as veritabl
haven of rest.