The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-07-24
BROOK|NGS BOY
HOMEFROM MEXICO
MYRICk BoLLES REACHES HOME
SAFELY, AFTER LONG TRIP
BY RAIL AND WATER
THE UNITED STATES SHOULD INTERVENE
In Mexico Says Mr.. Bol!es, as Con-
ditlons at Present Are Unsatisfac-
tory to American Interests

tory 10 american interests
Myrick n. Bolles, a former Brook
ings boy who has spent the past seven
years in Mexico, arrived home this
week and is visiting at the home Of
his mother, Mrs. Lydia j. Bolles. Mr..
Bolles held the position of assistant
superintendent of the American Smelt-
ing and Refining Company's plant at
Monterey, but on account Of the unset
tied condition of the country the mine
was closed down and the Americans
in the city decided to make their way
to the United States. The rebel army
had closed about Monterey and there
were frequet battles between them
and the government forces. The rail-
road was finally opened up and the
Americans We're taken to the seaport
Of Tampico on a special train, which
was preceded and followed by mill
tary trains. When they arrived at
Tampico they had to wait eight days
for a Ward line steamer which took
them to New York, by way Of Cuba
and the Bermudas. Two hundred
other Americans from different parts
of Mexico were on the same boat. Some
of these were going to Texas, a dis
lance of 200 miles, but were unable to
get through to the north on account of
the rowing bands of rebels and they
travelled to New York and from there
to Texas, a distance of over 5000
miles.
In Mr.. Bolles' opinion the United
States should intervene and restore
order in Mexico, in fact he believes
that this country should have stepped
in some months ago. Many Americans
and other foreigners have been killed
and an immense amount of property
belonging to citizens Of this and other
countries has been destroyed. The
whole country is infested with lawless
bands Of rebels, operating independ-
emily of each other and the central
government seems hopeless to cope
with the situation. Some strong row.
eminent will have to step in and re.
store order and 1t seems to be up to
this country to do so as the United
States by the Monroe Doctrine, has
served notice on the European powers
to keep their hands off. Mr.. Bolles
thinks that if this country would send
a large army in Mexico it would over
awe the natives and there would be
little If any fighting.
Mr.. Bolles says that there are but
two political parties in Mexico-the
one that is in Office and the one that is
out. Fighting never ceases and the
outsiders are continually trying to get
in, and sometimes succeed, while the
insiders are busy keeping them out.
Patriotism, as an American under
stands it, is unknown among the peo-
pie. Theirs has always been a harsh
government and they have little love
Of country. Intervention, in Mr.. Bolles'
opinion, would be a Godsend, as 1t
would serve to unity the people and
instill in them a little patriotism.
Mr.. Bolles tells us that Mexico has
considerable natural resources, but is
not the fabulously rich country that it
has been pictured. It's agricultural
districts, except for a few favored
spots, are rather poor and irrigation Is
necessary. 1t Is fairly well stocked
with minerals and has considerable
timber, but most of this is back in the
mountains and is difficult Of access
The Mexican people as a whole are
slow and lazy and lack initiative.
Practically every large enterprise in
the country is in charge of Americans
or other foreigners. The citizens Of
the United States have " a billion
dollars invested in Mexico, more than
any other country, although Great
Britain, Germany and France have
large interests.
Monterey, where Mr.. Bolles was To-
Gated, has a most interesting history
and is a rather quaint old city. 1t Is
over 800 years old, having been found
ed soon after Cortez subjugated Next
co, and many Of the old marks of the
conquerors still remain. 1t Is located
in the northeastern part OF the country.
a couple Of hundred miles from the
east coast. 1t is q city of $4,000, out
the people are unprogressive and Il
Was not until six years ago that .
modern water and sewer system was
tnstsllsd.