Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-02-26

pNrtunity TO learn the real condition of
affairs in Northern Mexico, concerning
which there have been so many con-
fiicting rumors and reports during re-
cent months. Mr.. Fowles has just re-
turned from Boston, where he Went 10
visit his brother, Charles Fowles. so
Congress St. a native Of Whitefield,
Maine, who has just come back from
trip to Mexico, and who, by reason of
business ard political experience in
different parts Of the world. his long
residence in Mexico his knowledge Of
the Spanish language and his wide ac
quaintance with all classes Of people in
Northern Mexico, has exceptional! quail
ihcations and opportunities for learn
ing the condition Of affairs there at
the present time and Judging as to fu-
ture developments in that country.
Leaving Whitefeld at the age Of Is
years Charles Fow!es went TO Montana
at the time when Marcus DAILY was first
becoming known as a mining operator
through the development OF the Ana
conda mine which is now q part Of the
Amalgamsted Copper Co. After sew
erai years experience in the mines and
sInelters of Montana. he went 10 the
Transvaal in South Africa. attracted
thither by the excitement which at
tended the discovery of the gold fields
If the Rand. During the next twelve
years, as engineer and mine manager
cooperating with Sir Lionel Phillips.
he Rathschilds' representative, Prof,
O. II. Hahn. the Worid-renCwned min
| aralogist and chemist and other fam
Gus engineers. he took part in the Won
,ierful development Of that country
which was carried on under the finan-
cial management OF the Rothschilds,
| -'ecil Rhodes and other capitalists I'M
| Ill il produced one third Of the worlds
annual output Of gold.
When the Boer war broke out. Mr..
| Fowles. by reason of his friendly rela-
tons with Paul krugen and other Boer
| leaders and his extensive ownership OF
mining property in the Transvaal, join
ed the Boer forces in the field and took
an active part in the war until he was
captured by the English and deported
from South Africa.
Having returned TO the United States
in 1900 his attention was attracted 10
Mexico as the most promising field Tor
investment in mining property ana.
after investigating different parts Of
the country. he purchased and de-
nollnced mines and mineral ground at
San Lucas de Ocampo in the state OF
Durango. which town is about 30 miles
northwest of the city of Durango ana
there. as the Durango Mining. Mining
and Exploration Co. he has developed
large mines and erected buildings ana
machinery for the operation OF them,
and has become the largest representa-
tive of foreign capital and employer OF
labor in that section of the state.
AS a result of these operations DUR
ing the past 10 years Mr.. Fowles has
come into close touch with the otlclals
and business men OF the country.
Mr.. Fowles' statement is as follows:
Il left the city of Durango about
three weeks ago, bringing with me the
wife and children of the late I. {.
Hamm. United States consul at Duran
go. Francisco Villa was born at
ranch near San Juan del Rio about Il
miles from San Lucas, where some of
his people still live, and consequently
he is probably better known there than
in any other part of Mexico. Although
I'D to the time of Maderos revolution
he was only locally known, since that
time, and especially since Maderos
death, his power and influence have
been gradually growing until now ne Is
undoubtedly the strongest leader IN
northern Mexico. The special slsnln-
canoe of this arises from the fact that
by reason of the difference between the
people in the north and those IN the
south of Mexico, due TO the difference
in climate and natural resources and
also to proximity to the United States,
it is very probable that the northern
part including the State of Durango,
will be organized as a separate republic
in which Villa will be predominant.
Except SO far as the most ignorant
class is misled by false statements
about the attitude Of the United states,
the Mexicans in the State of Durango
are we'll disposed toward Americans
and recognize the fact that only by
American capital and enterprise can
business be revived and renewed The
depth Of such ignorance in individual
instances is illustrated by the fact that
some Of my employees asked me II 1t
was true that a war was being car
ried on now in the United States: 1
OSnctc tIldl tiIOSSH lLC SStdpif.'AiAAANAAN
Of public schools, which Madero in
tended to effect and Of which Villa and
other prominent leaders are in favor,
misunderstanding Of Americans will be
rapidly reduced and friendliness tow
ards them increased and strengthened.
1.-The officials of the state Of Duran
go, most Of whom were prominent dur
ing the Madero regime, and the bust
ness men generally are looking for
ward now to an early improvement in
conditions and a speedy return to
normal basis. The Governor, who is
prominent lawyer, assured me- person
ally that he would do everything pos
sible to assist me in resuming opera
tons at our mines and that he believ-
ed that the only inconvenience we
needed to fear was interruption to rail-
road transportation through the tempo
rary withdrawal Of rolling stock for
military purposes. Furthermore, many
men who until a few months ago were
not inclined or willing to work are now