Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1920-06-04

uCFSAOps why CuOutu PuASAaSC NV
dom by voluntarily surrendering ri
Tigre, when came back here to hold
ii, at all hazards?"
II would not advise haste in q de-
cislon." Hardinge's tone was frigid.
'You ought to think this matter over
and weigh things carefully, Williams,
before coming to a conclusion which
may only involve you further"
How can It involve meP What
matter are you referring TOT"
1.-THE officials Of the government at
Mexico City who decided that you
were the rightful owner of Ell Tigre
have been superseded by other men,"
II know that, Hardinge. But even
the ones now In power will not pre-
sumo to declare my titles invalid with
out a hearing on the merits, nor up
hold an arrest for peacefully occupy
ing my prOperty-surely, at least, not
before the reopening of case which
was settled before their highest court"
"Nof" The query carried an UNI
dertone of insolent sarcasm.
"Noi" The defiance In the prison
er's voice was unmIstakable.
II supposed, Williams, that you had
been In Mexico long enough to under
stand the unstable character Of the
government. But you are evidently
unaware that since your departure
from the state of Sinaloa 1t has Sc
ceded."
II had not heard Of It,"
"Nor that General Juan Moreno is
now the provisional governor Of the
province2"
tits all news to me-"
Il imagined 1t would be. Now, let
us be frank. am uncommonly gener-
GUS with you, Williams. AS governor
of this province, General Moreno has
declared titles to all property held or
acquired by Americans within the past
ten years void, and they have been
confiscated. Hereafter no American
can acquire, nor hold, by purchase or
otherwise, property in Sinaloa, during
the existence of this provisional gov
eminent, at least. This decree has
the support OF Moreno's advisors and
the approval Of large majority, at
least, OF the residents Of the province
You see where you are, don't your"
Williams gasped.
The sheer audacity of the thing was
incredible. Yet, what could he OF
other Americans expect from the bun
Cling way the whole Mexican prob
lem" seemed to have been handled al
homer
"But what has this to do with my
arrest?" he savagely demanded.
Everything" bluntly retorted Har
dInge. "You were an interloper and
trespasser on property now owned
and about to be operated by the Uni
ted Kingdom Exploration company. Or
ders were issued by Governor Genera
Moreno himself that you should b,
brought in, If you came back to q
| Tigre. You returned and Captain
Manuel Pacheco, one of Moreno's own
staff, was sent to carry out the order
That is why you are here"
| 81 see," bitterly exclaimed the pris
oner. "But why was not taken be
fore the jefe polltico and warned abou
this new lawT'
Governor Moreno has suspendel
the civil statutes until the province
entirely pacified."
'sThen why was / not taken befor
him2"
"AhI I think you win scarcely b
anxious to face a military tribnna
composed Of General Moreno's officers
Williams at least, 4 you still posses
the discretion with which ! have @
ways credited you"
"Why not? What have / to Tea
: from him or his ofacers2"
"You ought to know. Capital
: Pacheco did not return to Zapatilli
with his command, did he7"
: 81 realize 1t. But what has that
do with met"
"You are accused of numbering hil
: this morning"
"Ratsl"
1.-THE military court" evenly ri
sumed Hardinge. 81 am informed, wi
accord you a hearing this afternoon
Q probably within an hour. You kno
; what that signifies as we'll as !. "a
3 were armed and arrested by Capital
0 Pacheco. He was murdered-tht
= have brought In his body. You al
accused. The lieutenant of the cor
: mand, who succeeded to Pacheco
p title, the sergeant and other officer
i as well as some OF the privates, we
8 giving their testimony before the cou
; when was admitted to the carcel."
Buck Williams laughed contempt
= ously.
!" @That is why / came," severe
i continued Hardinge, ito see IL cou
b help you out of this ugly mess. T
e. fought you, but I don't particular
e. wish to see you backed against I
II wall Of the carcel and shot to death
" sunrise tomorrow morning. I'm
persistent enemy, Williams. but not
Re vindictive one. Now. what do you s.
ne to my former proposition about z,