Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1942-07-23

E. King. When urged to take il
over, it seemed to her prcposterous,
for financial reasons, but hel
friends became more insistent.
1t floIrished from the start. She
furnished it with modern, elaborate
furniture. All that art could do
was done to make every guest room
delightful. 1t secured the attention
Of tourists, diplomats, and of all
the richer people in Cuernavaca. The
undertaking was crowned with COM
plete success, and the hotel was
yrowded with customers up to the
outbreak of the revolution in 1910.
She tried to hold what she had
gained. She was amply warned Of
Ger danger. The revolutionists re-
est prizes. The forces of Zapata
came nearer and nearer, and it be-
came doubtful if the federalist
forces could protect it much longer.
They We're surrounded by the arm
ed forces of the Zapatistas. The
whole population was in danger.
At last 5000 men women and
children were evacuated under Ped
70 Ojeda with his federal army.
The army got away with it's fugi-
tives, and the army CT Zapata took
possession Of the tlty, Bella Vista
Hotel included. F'or Mrs. King
and others there AS little sleep
food, water shclter. They sub
sisted at times on weeds, and roots,
called "duelitcs." They were un-
der constant fire from the enemy
troops which attacked them from all
sides. There was much loss of life,
and desertion.
Mrs. King had one faithful Mexi
can friend who constantly looked
after her welfare. His name was
Federico Chacon. He secured for
her at times food, and transporta-
tiOn. Crossing the mountains, they
finally reached Toluca, utterly de-
pleted in strength and health, but
not in courage. The 5000 had be-
come 1000. Friends in Mexico
City came to her rescue, and help
ed her back to strength.
A neverto-beforgotten episode
comes to mind. She had taken
away from Bella Vista 5000 pesos,
sewed in the lining of her petit
coat. 1t was lost. She despaired
of ever getting it again. 1t was
found. Not cent was lost. A sol
der had picked it up, guarded it
faithfully, and returned it to an
American druggist in Mexico, to be
given to the owner, if identified.
CccG:t a peon, soldier with this
rugged honesty.
When the revolution was over,
Mrs. King, with characteristic de-
termination, came back to Cuerna-
vaca, to re-establish her hotel ItI
was in ruins. That was a sad day
She was not discoura ged. But her
friends now advised her not to un-
dertake it. The task was far too
big for her or anyone. Conditions
were changed and made it utterly
She took up her small
trade in huraches again. She point
ed to the wall of Bella Vista. There
she told me they found 1000, 600
hid there from the time
of Cortes, or soon after. The gov
ernment took it all. However the
makes constant small
indemnity or restitution to her on
general principles, for her great
loss in the hotel.
Her book, mentioned above, sold |
like hot cakes. Is still selling, in
It's seventh edition. Atlantic receiv-
ed the story by cable word for
word. Mrs. King is 10, alert and
strong in mind and body, her great !
EST feat, herself, her personality.
A New York firm has taken her |
rs head of great new endeavor in
extile goods, and in this, no doubt |
she will triumph, as she has in all
he former undertakings which !
nave made her life an inspiration !
H. Scott, Mexico City, |
January 20, 1912.