The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-12-09

Intimate associates say that be-
cause he made his own way in the
world and accumulated fortune
while still a young man his views OF
life are sound and sane. He has deep
sympathy for the toiling classes, hav-
Ing been wage-earner himself, but
he believes that those who earn and
save should be safe in their posses
sions, knowing from experience that
the door of opportunity is open to
every man who has patience, industry
and intelligence.
Oregon was born in 1880 at ST.
Quisiva, in the district OF Armada,
State OF Sonora. His boyhood was
spent on n farm and he has. for that
reason, always had a fondness for
agricultural pursuits. The dream OF
hts young manhood was to own a
hacienda. This ambition he achieved
before lie was thirty years. old.
WORKED A. MECHANIC.
Leaving his home when little more
than a boy, he found work in the Al
nada Sugar Refinery at Sinaloa. He
remained with the sugar refinery for
several years, working as n mechanic
Then he obtained n small railroad
contract, making enough money to
take a larger contract. In short
time he was a prosperous contractor
When he had made money enough
his thoughts turned to farming and
he purchased the hacienda known as
LA Quinto Cbilla," in Sonora. lie
was quietly managing his farm in
1910 when Mexico's troubles began
He espoused the cause of Francisco
l.. Madero and was made n lieutenant
colonel in Madcro's army.
Those who served with him at that
time say that he showed surprising
knowledge of military matters and a
genius for handling men, particularly
the restless men who flocked to Ma
ocro's standard who were the type of
all of the revolutionary armies that
have passed and repassed over the
soil of Mexico.
But Obregon had little opportunity
to prove his power of leadership. In
a few months Madero had swept into
the Presidential chair, taking the
place made vacant by the departure
of Porfirio Diaz. Obregon accompa-
MED Madero to Mexico city, but did
rot remain there long. After seeing
the new government established he
returned to his hacienda and resumed
his work az farmer.
Then came the news of the assassi-
nation of President Madcro and Vice
President Pine SuareZ.
WAS MADE GENERAL.
This fired the peaceful farmer to re-.
newed action. He Joined the forces OF
General Carranza against President
Victoriano Hucrta. who took control
Of the government after the death OF
Madero. He was made general. and
again showed his skill in handling
and moving large bodies OF men.
When Huerta was overthrown, Gem
cral Obregon was made minister OF
war in Carranza's cabinet, but Car
ranzas ways were not his ways, ana
he resigned his post.
This time, when he left Mexico
City he did not go back to his ma
cienda. Instead, he went into bust
ness at Nogalcs, Sonora.
There he watched Carranza's man
agemcnt of Mexican affairs with in
crcasing disfavor and heard the
murmurs OF discomfort of patriotic
Mcyicnns. who sought some way OF
saving the country from its misery,
stagnation. and poverty.
when tho movement started IN
Sonora to put an end to CarrnnZa
misrulc, Oregon was ono OF the lchd-
ers. He was quickly recognized as
the chief military commander be-
cause he was never defeated in any
engagement.
NEVER LOST A BATTLE.
This success won him acclaim as
"the general who never lost battle.
His success dnzZled his followers
but Obregon did not let his popu
lnrity rest solely upon success In
battle. Ills troops were remarkably
well cared for, but were held in the
leash Of discipline. Where he moved
there was order and security. and TIL,
cndcarcd him with the civilians, wh'
had seen much OF looting and high
handed action by the imagining cap
tnins ~ the many revolutions and
had seen little 81 such wRtchful pr"
lection rs that given To them BY
nhtannn