New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-27
CALLS VILLA A HERO
FIGHTING FOR Poems
Prof. F. Monsen, Back from
Mexico, Says Outlaw Is
a Real IdealiSt.

Francisco Villa is an idealist. ngnuns
for the Mexican peon, and ready to turn
against Carranza. his chief. II the latter
does not deal fairly with the peon, ac-
cording TO Professor Frederick Monsen'
author, explorer and fellow OF the Royai
Geographical Society, who returned from
Mexico yesterday, after an absence Oh
several years. and is now at his nome
$50 Riverside Drive.
Professor Monsen, who has studied eth-
nology in all parts of the world said that
villa had never been estimated at his
true value. and that some day he wonId
be hailed as one of the most unusual men
of history-a patriot in the true sense OF
the word
villa understands the peon prooiem
as no one else does" said Professor Mon
sen. HE is of the peon himself, stuo-
born. courageous and clever when the
chance arises. The people idolize h,m'
Carranza is a fine old man. but he is not
Of the people; it is Villa they look up 10
and hope for things FROM
IF Carranza becomes provisional fresi-
dent of Mexico and fails TO keep MS
PROMISES TO solve the land problem, do
not doubt that Villa will oppose him and
depose him-and he can do 1t.
president Wilson has hit on the exact
solution OF the Mexican problem-the lana
question. He is acting wisely IN not IN
tervening in Mexico, for the people wouid
rico as one man against the United states
Rut II the United States establishes
t-if a
giving the lands back to the poems the
neople of the north would welcome the
idea"
eft was eight years ago in Sonora
when on an archaeological expedition
among the Yaqui Indians, that hrst met
, villa. | was looking for guide, "heh
German commercial traveller told me that
Villa knew the country better than any
one else. At that time he was bandit
and his reputation was not the best. but
when he presented himself TO guide the
party, We took him on his appearance.
II always found him dependable ana
honest. He freely admitted he was an
outlaw. but would never tell what drove
him 10 the hills. Certain it was that the
poems did not fear him, for they pro-
tected him when he was in danger
He would never tell me how he be-
came a bandit. | have asked him ana
he has turned away. A story is told that
his sister and sweetheart were betrayed
by Federal officers. who think little OF
the honor Of peon women. but l am In
clined TO doubt II. 1t seems that he was
naturally OF troublesome disposition
and being a born leader. took to the
hills TO have his own way.
Until lately, he wore no uniform and
always looked as IL he had not been
washed or shaved in days. His ways were
rough and his hand seldom stayed Tor
kindness He thinks and acts on the
jump. No sooner does he hit on a solu-
ton of some problem than he PUSHES into
action and makes ali move with him. no
matter what the cost or the difhculty.
He drives rather than leads.
He trusts no one but himself. Wher-
ever he goes he brings sufficient fighting
force TO insure his safety, even when ne
visits Chihuahua. His treatment OF
Americans has been the best that could
be given under the circumstances. lie
knows the value of gaining the friendship
OF the United States by acting according
to the conventions.
villa has a native wife at Juarez. and,
as far as / can understand. at least two
more in other cities.
"He is backed by 100000 Indians,
who want land and believe he will give
II TO them. Just now Carranza is slated
for the Presidency il the rebels win, but
would not be surprised il villa did not
come under civil authority, but withdrew
70 await Carranza's dealings with the
poems"