Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1921-05-24
VILLA, MAN OF LETTERS.
Former Bandit Now Engaged In Learn
+: IND to Read and Write.

Former Sahoit NOW Engaged " Gea'"
+; ing to Read and Write.
villa, that same Pancho who was
once the scourge of Mexico, is becom-
ing man of letters. No, he isn't
writing a book-not yet. He is learn
ing to read and write at Canutillo, his
hacienda in the state of Durango.
True, when dictator of Mexico, he
sent to Washington diplomatic notes
that would have done justice to the
pen of Bryan and he issued fervid
flowing pronunciamentes for "home
consumption" but these were prepared
by his faithful secretaries aids, gen.
erals and even correspondents. Villa
told them what to say and they wrote
1t for him. But having no flock of
aids, generals and correspondents to
lean on now he has taken up the "rs""
as strategically as he ever led an"army
into action. He admits leading an
army was easier.
This is the word brought here by
James Caldwell of San Angelo, Tex,
who has just returned from a week
spent at Villas ranch.
Wife is Helping Him.
Caldwell taught Villa the operation
of the tractor and other farm machin-
cry. Villas wife is helping him in his
ambition to learn to write. Caldwell
has made three trips to Villas 100000
acre ranch in the last few months ane
spent much of his time with Villa per-
sonally.
villa Is working from sunrise un-
til dark and says he is satisfied, but is
still cautious and seems fearful of his
life" said Caldwell. He found most
Of the population Of one thousand
armed. A body guard of fifty picked
followers accompanies Villa at all
times about his farm and when the
ex- bandit goes: motoring, two truck
loads Of soldiers arc behind him.
At night, when his guests sleep in
the only building in Canutillo, which
still boasts of a roof, Villa has two
sentries on. guard ut the door, and
when the visitors ride over the estate.
armed men on horses trail q quar-
ter Of mi behind. Though osten-
sibly for the purpose Of making his
guests feel safe Villas queer maneu-
vers arc deemed to be for his own
protection.
Caldwell carries a letter from Villa,
typewritten on embossed stationery.
expressing satisfaction with the farm
machinery. The scrawl Of the sigma
ture can hardly be read, however.
Strict Discipline in Colony.
The strictest discipline is maintain
ed by Villa in his colony of one tious-
and people at Canutillo. Not a drop
of liquor is allowed on the place. Fear
of Villa enforces order and respect,
and everybody works. Villas first
wife, who lived in San Antonio with
her S-year-old son for several years,
Is teaching English and home econom-
les to the Mexican women. Villa
idolizcs his young son. who has spir-
tied horse and wears the same sleeve
less sweater and revolver that are al
ways part Of his fathers makeup
Villas headquarters are in the can
utillo cathedral, the only structure left
intact by years of revolution. PloWs
and machinery of all kinds arc jamrned
against the walls adorned with bcau-
tiful paintings and fragile statuary,
while typewriters and adding ma
chimes click noisily where once only the
chat OF priests was heard. Villas.
home is in q low, one-story abode
building next door. His people pro-
vide shelter as best they can among
the ruins Of the town, which years ago
housed twenty-five hundred persons.
These structures, guttcd by fire or
otherwise ruined by the elements, are
rapidly made habitable.
Villa permits Catholic priests to
visit Canutlllo only twice a year to
marry couples, perform baptismal
rites and deliver sermons. His ami
mostly against the religion of most of
his people Is said to date back to the
time when his sister was betrayed and
the guilty party went unpunishable.
Cares for Followers Widows.
Caldwell brought back from Mexico
a kodak picture Of a group In which
arc four widows or former Villa Off
GERS. These women are being paid
two hundred peros 4 month by Villa
SO long as they remain single. Other
incidents arc related showing how the
ex-bandit chief provides for his fol-
lowers. None has evcr applied with
out being given work.
Practical Donis.-An italian fruit