South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-11-16
Advance Guard of $500 Pre-
pairing the Way for
10000 More.

Ell PASO. Tex. Nov. Is. - The
greatest religious emigration since
Moses led his followers out of Egypt
and one that bears some resemblance
to the ancient biblical event. is be-
ing carried on by members OF the
Mennonite religious sect in Canada,
who are now moving from the Do
uiinion 10 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 objec-
tions. The chief tenet of the sect
forbids members to take up arms.
When the draft law was put into
effect in Canada, II caused wide
spread dissatisfaction among the
Neunonites and they began TO look
for a place where they worship their
Cod according 10 their own customs.
After a long search, leaders found
large tract Of land in the state OF
Chihuahua. northern Mexico, that was
90 their liking. The Mexican gov
eminent. newly established. was
campaigning for foreign agricultural
colonists. and welcomed the thrifty
religious emigrants. They were
given valuable land concessions and
long before the first band of Memo
mites arrived the MeNcan govern
mcnt had sewage systems and streets
built ana wells drilled.
The first contingent of Memo
mites. consisting of three special
. trains. carrying an thei~ belongings,
Including livestock, left Their old Ca
madam homes over @ year ago. To-
day. $500 members Of the sect are
building schools. churches. homes,
and are cult.vaung the soil, prepar-
Ing the way Tor an army of 10000
more, who intend 20 make their
homes there in search of religious
I freedom.
I TWENTY-FIVE villages have been
established The families 1--we close
together In tne little towns. sur
rounded by their farms, which are
3 operated much the same as those of
peasants in Europe. Each Memo
mite is permitted 20 have only 100
acres of land and this IL held IN Zee
| simple.
"A bishop IS at the head Of the
government and the co'oniS,s .ook TO
him for leadership in business and
/ personal affairs as well IS spiritual
guidance. This plan IS similar 70
THAI Of the Mormon colonies in the
/ same state
! The Mexican inhabitants .oOk upon
l the newcomers with great respect,
not unm.xed with awe. for they are
| different" The O5reson govern
ment regards them as decided u.s.
set and has signed agreements guar
autee.uE them the things they ch r-
I lsh most-relis.ous freedom and
! exemption from military service.
i The land selected ty The AIennu-
mites has been the battle-ground ~
/ scores Of revolutionary movements
/ and is rich IN revolutionary lore. =
was through this part Of Mexico tina;
! General Pershing chased Francisco
villa after villa s attack on Cola IL
bus. New Mexico The town OF Gull
s.huiraichIc. where Mexican ban
/ dts massacred a dozen American
! citizens several years ago IS near
/ the Mennonite colony. Il Is not faI
from Colonial DiaZ Mormon col
ony. ralded and burned by Red Rod
/ riguez. q Mexican narauder.
The Mennonite lands are o part Of
! the extensive Luis Terrazzas csta- es
! IN northern Mexico The estate wa.
/ broken upon the passing OF the land
/ partitions act. a year or so ago, and
has been distributed among colon
/ lists Terrazzas was one OF the rich
est men in the world before re
/ division OF hls lands.