Perth Amboy evening news., 1914-05-23
James |. Roberts, Now in This
City, is Debarred from Every
Cent of Income Because of
Revolution in Mexico.
WAS FORCED OUT, HE SAYS
Went to Mexico When Young
and Made Considerable
Money-Property is in HUI
erta's Territory, He States.

Though he owns property in Mex
leo worth in the neighborhood of
$50, 900, James |. Roberts is now in
this city, debarred from every cent
of income on his estate, because of
the revolution in Mexico. Though
he is not financially embarrassed,
he is, nevertheless, deprived of any
revenue on his property in the war
ridden country, on which he depends
largely for support.
Mr.. Roberts was recently forced
out of Mexico, and says that he left
just before the Anti-American senti-
ment reached its height in the city
in which he resided. When he
found that it was no longer safe to
continue in the turbulent land he
quietly left for San Francisco.
Since leaving several months ago he
has not received any word or money
from the Mexican agents in whose
charge he left his property. There
is possibility that Huerta has con-
fiscated it. Mr.. Roberts, who is a
most genial, middle-aged bachelor,
came to this city to accept position
as chemist with the local plant of
the American Smelling and Refining
Company. On arriving here he
found the work more suitable for a
younger man with a more rugged
constitution, so will leave shortly,
though he has no definite destina-
ton in mind
II went to Mexico when l was
young man." said Mr. Roberts, "and
didn't have cent He was a
tod l.;
ty in the rich-mining country. He
las lived there eighteen years, but
1eclares that he made most of his
money during 1903, 1904 and 1905
when there was quite a boom in ore
mining in the tropical country. Mr..
Roberts during these years conduct
ed an assaying laboratory of his own.
When he first began working in
Mexico he was employed as chemist
and assayer at different mining
camps. He saved enough money
through this employment to con-
struct his own private laboratory.
Mr.. Roberts property is in the city
of Guaglagai, state of Galisco, a
province ruled by Huerta. Mr.. Rob
erts, however, expects the rebels to
capture the city within a few days,
and be in Mexico City within six
weeks. He had retired from busi
ness because Of i'll health, and was
quietly living on his money, when he
found 1t necessary to fee the coun-
try.
There are number of languages
spoken in Mexico, and Mr.. Roberts
can fiuently converse in French, Eng
lish, German, Italian and Spanish.
Though he was born in this country
it is his intention to return to Mex
leo when peace is restored.
Mr.. Roberts described the situation
which provoked the revolution. He
said the Huertiaists represent a class
Of property owners, who believe in
ruling with an iron hand, while
Carranza and Villa represent the
poorer classes and democracy. (Vil-
la, he pronounced Veeha, Huerta,
Ooerta, and Carranza as 1t is popu
uarly and correctly pronounced In
this country) Mr.. Roberts has no
doubt of the success of the revolu-
tion, as he says the majority of the
Mexican people are sympathizers of
the rebels, even in the federal states,
though often they are afraid to ex-
press their sympathy.
Mr.. Roberts compared the temper
ament of the peon in Mexico to the
Negro here. He said he did not
think permanent peace would be af-
fected in Mexico until the United
States establishes order by main
force, and preserves such order.