Evening star., 1922-04-26
WAR ON MENNONITE.
COLONIES FEARED
Mexico Takes Extra Precau-
tions for Protection Of In
corners From Bandits.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star
CHIHUAHUA CITY, Mexico, April
26.-Extraordinary precautions today
were ordered taken by the authorities
Of the states Of Durango and Chihua-
hua for the protection of the Men
MONTE colonists who "trekked" from
Canada to Mexico for "conscience's
sake" They have purchased 100000
acres of the richest agricultural land
in the two states. One thousand of
them, advance guard of the host to
getting ready for those on the way
or about to start.
The territory bought is that which
the rival aggregations OF bandits.
headed by Francisco Villa and his
like, have devastated for years. The
brought from Canada large numbers
Of blooded horses and cattle, latest
improved farm machinery and valu-
able household supplies. to say moth
Ing of plenty of money, has aroused
the Mexican authorities to the neces-
sity that they be afforded protection.
1t Is fully realized that bandit raid
on them. while negotiations for Mex
lean recognition by the United States
government are In protest, would
have a very serious effect on popular
sympathy with Mexico north of the
Rio Grande, despite the fact that
these colonists are former Canadians.
100000 to Settle In Mexico.
Eventually 100000 Mennonites are
the farmlands of the bandit devas-
tated region. Here will be the head
quarters of the sect. Here will be
established 4 new home land for
those who oppose wars and force.
The colonists have abandoned
ada because the Canadian gov
ernment refused to recognize their
pacifist views. The Mexican gov
ernment has obligated itself in writ
ing not to call on the settlers for
military service or ask them to pay
taxes to support military operations:
They also are guaranteed freedom of
religious belief and the right to con-
duct their schools without state or
church interference.
Because they have admitted they
would take no measures for self
protection the authorities must pre-
vent raids on the. colonists. II at
tackled they would be practically
helpless. They have no fortress.
their buildings are not built with
defense in view. and their only arms
are a few shotguns, maybe a half
QOZen CANADIAN army rlHeS anu d lew
pistols.
For fifty years they have worked
building up and developing the valu-
able farmlands of Saskatchewan and
Manitoba.
Had Amassed Fortunes.
Clinging closely to the habits and
customs of three centuries and speak
ing the German language for the
most part. they had amassed com
Portable fortunes when the war broke
out. Since then they have had plenty
of trouble with the Canadian govern
ment. They opposed conscription and
military service and demanded the
religious services as they please. In
consequence there was serious trouble,
with the result that the council OF
the leaders decided to move:
To date. six trainloads of the pc
cuIiar sect have reached Mexico. The
others will be here by midsummer.
They will settle. as always in the
past, in communities. Each will have
its leader, its minister and its school
teacher. The youths will be kept
separate and the elders will rule as
they did in Canada.
Mexican officials are-4.yery deeply
Interested in the coming of the col
onists. They will repopulate valua-
BILE lands II they are not interfered
with. And they have agreed they
their stock through this city, thereby
bringing prosperity back to q region
that has been denuded ever since the
! Madero revolution.
Copyright, 1927