Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-11-08
MENNONITES HAVE % VILLAGE
IN THEIR NEW MEXICAN COLO
(Dy United Prcss)

FL Paso, Texas, Nov. 8.-The great
est religious emigration since Moses
led his followers out of Egypt, and onc
that bears some resemblance to the
ancient biblical event, it being carried
on by members of the Mennonite re-
ligious sect in Canada, who are now
moving from the Dominion to their
new homes in Mexico.
The movement of the MennOnites is
the outgrowth of trouble with the
Canadian government during the
world war, over refusal of members
of the sect to participate in the world
war, due to religious objections. The
chief tenent of the sect forbids MEM
bers to take up arms.
When the draft law was put into
effect in Canada, it caused widespread
dissatisfaction among the MennOnites
and they began to look for place
where they worship their God accord
ing to their own customs.
Afer long search, leaders found
large tract of land in the state Of
Chihuahua, northerA Mexico, that was
to their liking. The Mexican govern
ment, newly established, was cam
paigning for foreign agricultural col
anists. and welcomed the thrifty re-
ligious emigrants. They were given
valuable lamb concessions and long be-
fore the first band of Mennonites ar
rived, the Mexican government had
sewage systems and streets built anc
wells drilled.
The first contingent of Mennonites,
consisting of three special trains, car
rying all their belongings, including
livestock, left their old Canadian
homes over year 400. Today, 1000
members of the sect are building
schools, churches, homes, and are cultl-
waiting the soil, preparing the way
for an army of thirty thousand more;
who intend to make their homes there
in search of religious freedom.
Twenty-Five villages have been es-
tablished. The families live close to-
gether in little towns, surrounded by
their farms, which are operated much
the same as those of peasants in Eur
ope. Each Mennonite is permitted to
have only 100 acres Of land and this Is
held in fee simple.
A bishop is at the head of the gov
ernment and the colonists look to HIM
for leadership in business and person
Al affairs, as we'll as spiritual guild
ance. This plan is similar to that CT
the Mormon colonies in the same state.
The Mexican inhabitants look upon
roe newcomers with great respect, not
nnmixed with awe, for they are "dlf-
fer,nt." The Obregon government re-
cards them as decided asset and haa
signed agreements guaranteeing
the things they cherish most--rellgIous
freedom and exemption from military
The land selected by the MennOnites
has been the Battle-Ground of scores OF
revolutionary movements and is rich
in revolutionary lore. 1t was through
his mart of Mexico that General
Farshinr chased Francisco Villa after
Villas attack on Columbus, New Mex
leo. The town Of Culsihuiraichic,
where Mexican bandits massacred
dozen American citizens several years
ago Is near the Mennonite colony.
II IS not far from Colonial Dlaz,
Mormon colony, raided and burned by
Red Rodriguez, a Mexican marauder:
The Mennonite lands are part OF
the extensive Luis Terrazzas estates
in Northern Mexico. The estate was
broken upon the passing Of the Land
Partitions act, a year or so ago, and
has been distributed among colonists.
T Ter was one ofathe richest men
in the world before the division OF his
lands