South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-06-30
KEEP CLOSE EYEON
FRANCISCO VILLA
Despite Statements That He
Has Reformed, Watch Is
Kept on Bandit.

MEXICO CITY. June 29- (By
1aIl)-Dsspite his repeated assur-
aHces that he - no longer a bandit.
but a gentleman farmer OF the state
OF Durango. the movements OF
Francisco villa are being closely
watched IN Official circles here. To
some observers 70 Is difficult 70 be-
l.eve that this former guerrilla has
Accustomed himself 20 the routine
Of ranch lffe and is now finding In
his growing crops and lowing herds
the c0nfentnent that a man OF his
tremendous nervous energy derived
in the past from daring deeds OF
warfare.
Il villa the staunch friend Of
the Obregon administration that his
friends claim for him? VIII Villa
stay out OF politics and play no part
In the forthcoming congressional
elections? In the event OF a serious
threat against Obregon's power
would Villa rally his 1000 ranchers
IN behalf Of the president or would
he lead his men IN a new revolu-
tlon? These are the frequent ques-
tions o. the street here and the
answers are as varied as those who
make reply
The pacihcation OF villa Is pro-
claimed by the friends Of Provision
al President de IA Huerta as the one
big achievement Of his short ad-
rninistration in 1920. To secure
the peace pact with the famous
bandit % was necessary for the
Mexican government to grant him
an extensive tract OF land on which
his faithful followers numbering
some 1000 might work and prosper.
There was also a transfer Of con-
siderable cash which villa said he
needed 20 develop his new ranches.
III IS also understood that one Of the
stipulations OF the agreement was
that villa was 70 stay out OF poll
tics
Villa settled in the state OF pu-
range and the few persons who
have visited his hacienda report
that he Is an enthusiastic farmer.
OF late however stories have been
creeping out OF the north 10 the
effect that furrOwed fields and
bIooded dairy stock are commend
ing 10 pail and that to relieve the
monotOny the captor Of Columbus
f. mixing just a trife IN the state
politics OF Durango. Some reports
are that he has been asked to run
for governor and has consented but
persons close 20 the man deny the
rumors. No matter what the facts
the uncertainty of Villas action Is
causing considerable comment IN
the capital which within the past
two months has been put on the qui
vive several times by authentic"
statements that the Durango
rancher was on his way TO Mexico
City to consult with his president.
He has never arrived and there IS
small possibility that he will come.
Al Of which has merely served
to revive the months old question
ing-WIu villa stand fast no matter
what turmoil might arise in Mexico
City? II one Is 70 believe stories Of
Villas heavy investments in oil
drilling outfits and his rumored
plans 20 rebuild a stoclSyard and
! packing house at Ciudad Juarez
(which his men destroyed several
years ago there Is reason TO think
that the Canutiuo farmer is just
that and nothing more On the
other hand visitors at the ranch
say that the Canutillo arsenal Is
wen supplied with arms and am
munition- But. as they say. villa
must arm himself TO protect his
ranch from bandits.