Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 200, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1915 — Page 2

The YAQUI and His Land

MORE deadly than the deadliest Manser and as swift as a German Zeppelin are the poisoned arrows of the Yaqui Indians, against whom the Mexicans have waged relentless wai for more than a century, says the Boston Transcript. Yaqui bows are made of black palm wood, which is extraordinarily hard; the arrows are long and sharp and so poisoned as to cause certain death in from three to seven days, but only after the most horrible torture, during which the patient raves, eats and gnaws his own flesh, beats his head against the wall or ground and so dies. No antidote for the poison has ever been discovered. According to an old Bpanlsh record, early settlers in Mexico tried by promises and threats to persuade the Indians to give them a recipe for it, but could not prevail until they had wounded a Yaqui they had taken, and then gave him liberty to go abroad to seek his remedy. They observed that he gathered two herbs, which he stamped and pounded severally, drank the juice of one, and injected the other into lAs wound; but first he opened the wound and drew out the barbs of the arrow, which, infinitesimally fine and thin, are left in the flesh after the shaft is taken out; for unless the wound be first cleared thereof, the herb can have no effect In this manner the Indian cured himself, but the novice has had only varying results, as none but the Indian knows the art of^ clearing the wound. "They cumberthe earth," said Lord Amherst on a certain memorable occasion of our own truculent Senecas. “They cumber the earth,” said his excellency, President Diaz, when speaking of the Yaquis. So the unwritten edict went forth that the Yaquis should be exterminated, after they proved refractory to all softening influences of civilization. Don’t Like Americans. Being unable to either civilize or exterminate them after nearly a century of endeavor, Mexico graciously sold to Americans almost exclusively mining and other concessions within the disputed territory, a fact which probably accounts for the Yaquis' sudden “change of heart” towards Americans. Indeed, until within the past fifteen years, a visit to the Yaquis was considered an interesting and by no means hazardous excursion by the younger men of our navy while cruising or surveying hi the Gulf of California. The Yaquis would always receive their visitors with perfect Indian hospitality, regale them with the best they had and show them excellent shooting. The only descriptions we have of the coast villages of the coast tribes, situated as they are amid swamps and lagoons which render them well-nigh inaccessible, are due to the accounts which the jolly sailor boys have left of their outings on shore. Curiously enough also, the armistices which have been concluded and the attempts which have been made from time to time to make peace between the Mexican government and the Yaquis have nearly always been initiated and carried on by American adventurers and prospectors across the border, the Yaquis refusing consistently to admit Mexicans within their villages, even when they came suing for peace and bringing presents. The strongholds of the Yaqui valley a«d the fastnesses of the Sierra which they are defending with such stubborn valor as to command the admiration of the Mexican officers who have had to fight them are fall of copper mines - >•

IN THE. YAQUI VALLEY

and deposits of other precious ores, attractive to the commercial spirit of the age, and the present era of ill-feel-ing against the American there is undoubtedly due to what the Yaquis regard as unwarranted trespassing upon their domain, since they cannot read and do not recognize the Mexican rulers’ right to sell mining and other concessions within the territory which that government has never conquered. Another reason for the cooling off of friendly relations between our navy and the Yaquis is that on several occasions in the course of the revolutions that have been going on for so long Americans have permitted Mexican generals to secure strategic advantages by transporting their troops over our territory from El Paso to Nogales. How great a factor this is in the present situation can best be understood by those who know the Yaquis—not one of whom has ever turned traitor, though every one of them, from the moment of his capture to the day of his execution by the Mexican authorities, has been tempted to betray his tribe with offers of gold, invaluable treasures, and life itself. With few exceptions, all the prisoners taken by the government since the war with the Yaquis began in 1825 have been butchered.

As far back as the days of Montezuma the Yaquis were famous for fheir running prowess, and a corps of them is said to have been retained to bring from the “Vermilion Seas,” as the Pacific was called by the Aztecs, fresh fish from the shores of the hot coup* try to the capital on the temperate tablelands, and If the old Spanish chronicles can be relied upon, it would seem that, thanks to the relays of fleet-footed Yaquis, Montezuma was able to get fresher fish than did the residents of Mexico City in the days of their greatest prosperity, civilization and railroads, in the regime of General Diaz. The Yaqui warrior is a noble figure. His free and open gait is like that of an Olympian victor carrying off the prize, rather than the lope of our own redskin. Besides being a stubborn fighter and swift runner, the Yaqui is a sturdy worker, though it would seem that they work not to amass wealth but ammunition. They are splendid agriculturists and expert pearl divers, not hesitating even with the most primitive weapons to grapple with a maneating shark 30 feet beneath the surface of the pleasant-looking but dangerous waters of the Gulf. There is no organization among the Yaquis except that part of the tribe that lives practically free and conducts the warfare. This hostile contingent recognizes rule by the elders, who in turn are elected fbr a single campaign. In the effort to punish the Yaqui depredations in the past two decades, thousands of | Mexican troops have been killed and wounded and yet not one Yaqui stronghold has ever been captured. From time to time for nearly a century it has been reported that the Yaquis have been quelled by the Mexicans, but that is only because the Yaqui ammunition gave out. They replenished their ammunition and were ready to renew the warfare again. When preparing fbr battle the Yaqui ' have a way of digging round holes in which they plant poisoned arrows, lightly covered with leaves and a little earth on top, then trapping the enemy to this unique torpedo bed. 1

All Stubborn Fighters.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IVD.

BASEBALL FANS FORGET “BONEHEAD” PLAYS

Fred Merkle.

Fred Merkle “pulled a bonfer” that cost the New York Giants a pennant. That was some time ago, but the fans have never forgotten. “Bonehead” is hurled at him to this day, and he is not allowed to forget. “Laughing Larry” Doyle was gnilty of a thoughtless act fully as bad or worse than Merkle’s a couple of weeks ago, but already his lapse of memory has been forgotten, writes Barry Paris in a New York dispatch to Chicago Evening Post. It came in a game that didn’t particularly count. Which causes one to think that, after all. It isn’t what you do that hurts —it is when you do it. Merkle's ‘‘bone,’’ as is well known, was in forgetting to touch second In order to complete * a play. Doyle’s stunt was an even more glaring piece of stdpidness. With a man on third

STAR INFIELDER OF PIRATES

James Viox, Diminutive Keystone Sacker, Built Much on Same Lines as Honus Wagner.

James Viox, the diminutive second baseman of the Pittsburgh National club, was born at Lockland, 0., twen-ty-four years ago, and secured his professional baseball start with the Lexington club, one of the Blue Grass league, In 1911. After one season in this company he was purchased by Manager Clark. Alex. McCarthy vaas holding down second base for the Pirates at the time, but through sheer merit and hustling Viox soon won his position. The following spring he battled with Art Butler, who had come from St. Paul highly touted, but Jimmy proved

James Viox

himself a far superior ball player and batted at a .317 clip. During Ihe 1914 season Viox’s hustling and ambition was one of the bright spots in the otherwise dark and stormy career of the Pirates. Viox stands five feet five and onehalf inches in height, but weighs 170 pounds, being built very much like Hanß Wagner, with large, powerful shoulders. He is a right-handed hitter and thrower.

Last Chance for O’Brien.

Providence has released Pitcher Buck O’Brien to Richmond and it is suggested that it is his last chance to make good in fast company. O’Brien figured that he needed hot weather to show his paces and was let go to Richmond with the idea that there he would find plenty of it.

Co-Operation Wins.

Clarence Rowland explained to a fan that one reason the White Sox are leading is that they have eliminated the “P* on the Club and substituted the “We.“ Not the manager, but the players are main factors in keeping a in the front, thinks Rowland.

Kauff May Go into Vaudeville.

“Benny” Kauff is considering an offer to appear in vaudeville at the close of the present season. ~

Larry Doyle.

and one out Doyle hit a long flay to the outfield in a recent series at Boston. The man on third —Bums — dashed for the plate after the ball was caught. The ball was hit so far that he was sure to score. Doyle rounded first just as the ball was thrown In from the outfield. The ball came directly at him, and he reached out and caught it, tossing it to a Boston player. Immediately a protest was lodged with the umpire, who thereupon called Bums out because Doyle had interfered with the ball. Doyle, who has been one of the National league stars for years, had no alibi. He frankly admitted he had been guilty of a “boner.” His only explanation was that he thought, as Bums had crossed the plate, the play was completed and his touching the ball would have no effect.

BASEBALL STORIES

Manager Tinker is still in the hunt for an infielder. * • * Heine Groh is playing some great ball for the Reds. • • * Jack Holland has signed a University of Missouri pitcher named Taylor for a tryout • • * According to the Pittsburgh Press, the Pirates accuse Umpire Klem of favoring the Cubs. * * * Wilbur Robinson seems to be backing up his team to make one of those Miracle Man spurts. • * * -V Pitcher Grover Alexander is setting a record this year. To date he has twirled three one-hit games. • • • Someone was bound to spring it Burt Whitman, a Boston writer, did it. He calls the Cleveland team the Follies of 1915. • • • When the Phillies start to slip, all Pat Moran has to do Is to ring for a bell-hop and order him to page Alexander and Mayer. ’ - • * * If Bill James of the Braves can get his arm back he will save the world’s champions from going into the second division for good. • • * Connie Mack Insists he will build a pennant winner in the American league despite the stories he Is planning to leave the circuit. . • * * Davy Robertson was timed recently In going to first, and he proved that he was faster than any other player on the Giants or the Braves. • * • Anyhow, they’ve got those Braves fighting the umpires and declaring they are robbed —which is some sign of hope for the other seven teams. * * • Whenever Connie Mack is severely criticized for selling his stars he can reach into his pocket, fondle his bank book and restore his usual calm. * • • Jim Thorpe, who is playing good ball for Jersey City, is rapidly learning how to hit curve pitching. He probably will come back to the Giants in the falL ~ • • • There seems to be quite a bit of rivalry between McGraw’s young twirlers, Schauer, Schupp and Ritter. Every time either is called upon to pitch he tries to outdo the others. * •- The two Shannon brothers, star players of the Seaton Hall college nine, said to have been made offers by several major league clubs, are reported as signed with the Richmond Internationals. • * • A western critic, after making a swing around the eastern mid of the National league circuit, has announced that the Brooklyn club is the best-look-ing aggregation in the league. The reference is to pennant chances rather than beauty. • • * We learn from Boston that President Tener, accompanied by Secretary Shettsiine, called on President Gaffney. In order to have the party complete it should have included Treasurer Heydler, Private Secretary Reeves and Man Stallings.—York Sun.

PLAYING FOR CRAWFORD

, Back in the days when the Chicago team of the American league was led by Fielder Jones and were fighting the Detroit Tigers bitterly there was no lore lost between the teams. One afternoon in a game on' the South side, Chicago, Jones raced back to the fence and by leaping high into the*air and spearing a ball with one hand robbed Crawford of a home run. The next time Crawford came to the bat he caught one on the handle and Jones, racing in, grabbed what looked like a sure Texas leaguer off his shoetops. As the men passed each other on their way to and from the field Jones sneered: “It’s a cinch to play for you. You always hit ’em in the same place."

SHECKARD GOT THE SIGNALS

Cub Gutflelder Wasn't Sure Whether Manager Chance Was Going to Try for Second Base.

James Samuel Tilden Sheckard pulled many a funny one while he was playing ball, but one of the funniest was in a game in 1908. Those who saw Chance grow furious over something his good friend and great player had done never understood why. Chance had switched the batting order and was hitting just ahead of Sheckard that day and had made a hew hit-and-run sign. Late in the game, with the score tied, Chance reached first and gave Sheckard the signal. Sheckard took a strike straight through the plate and never moved. Chance had started, but turned and by

Jim Sheckard.

a desperate slide got back to first In safety. He arose, gave Sheckard the signal again and started. Sheckard took a second strike, and Chance was thrown out. tie matter, SKeck?” inquired Chance on the bench. “Didn't you get that signal?” “Yes, Frank,” replied Bheck, seriously: “I got 'em both times, but, do you know, I was standing there trying to think whether they meant you were going or that you weren’t, and he slipped over two strikes.”

DISADVANTAGE TO MAKE HIT

Mike Donlln Tells Story of Rube Waddell—Remembered Those Players Who Poled Safeties. The occasion doesn’t often arise in a ball game where it is a player’s disadvantage to make a hit. But according to Mike Donlln this occasion once existed. “Any time,” says Michael, “that I got a hit ofT Rube Waddell the rest of my afternoon was spoiled. I had no further pleasure left in the game. After that one hit 1 spent the rest of

Mike Donlin.

the afternoon with my foot in the water bucket. For the Rube remembered each guy that hit him safely, and it was a case of ducking the bean ball on the next trip to the plate.” “A base hit,” added Alike, “is something; but having your head used as a target the rest at the day is also something.”

HOME TOWN HELPS

FARMERS MAKE HOMES UGLY Beautiful Scenes Are All Too Fre % quently Spoiled by Lack of Building Plans. To reach the home of a prosperous farmer in a corn belt community one passes back from the road between cornfields for 80 rods. The approach to the house is through the cowlot. The woodpile is also there, near the front gate. From the parlor window one looks out over the hoglot toward the barn. To get a view of grassland, trees and real scenery one must go to thi kitchen door, which opens to-| ward the rolling pasture and the wood; beyond. But even there one inust look over the array of chicken coops close by the house. If this house had been near the roadr it could have Overlooked a wide 'ex-! panse of beautiful prairie-flanked woods, says the Breeder’s Gazette. Another home in that section is beautifully placed about 100 yards back; from the highway on a broad knoll ■ overlooking a 60-acre sparsely timbered hill pasture lying across thd road. But unappreciative of the glorious natural view, the builder of that homestead put the horsebarn to the left and the cowbarn to the right of the house and both nearer the road than the house. We are told by landscape gardeners that it is well to have the view from the home framed in, but old bams are not good picture framing material. Trees and shrubs are better. There is an evident lack of plan to blame for most of these ugly farm homesteads. Location and natural scenery are sometimes very attractive, but the effect is spoiled by poor arrangement of buildings and enclosures. Perhaps some farmers do not pay enough attention to the beauties about them. Certainly there are great differences in farmsteads. Oii' other farms the front of the house first thing seen from the road, and it is set about by trees in such a way- as to frame a complete picture of it. Shrubs and trees are placed so as to leave desirable views as one looks from the porch. All blend with lawn and surroundings Into one harmonious living picture.* Barns and stock lots, chickens and vegetable garden are grouped back of the house. To each side of the house, flanking the road, are pastures or meadows of alfalfa or small grain. The distant view is unobstructed. The family .enjoys, and to that extent owns, all it can see. There is more inspiration In a view of distant fields, woods and homesteads than In the contemplation of nearby pigpens and cowlots.

ATTRACTIVE DOORWAY

A white rambler (Dorothy Perkins) over a colonial doorway. The ramblers with their fragrant clusters of white, yellow, or crimson blossoms are among the most popular roses. They need no protection during the winter.

A Community's Job.

It is little use for the local editor to waste his lungs and sprain his spine on trying to boom a town when the citizens all stand around with their hands in their pockets and injdifferently wait for something to turn up. if the capitalists or business men do not put their shoulders to the wheel and do a little boosting it is useless for the editor to try and boom things. He can write “boom” articles until he. gets bald headed, but if the -citizens themselves do not take hold and push the town will fprever stick In the mud. Of what use is It for the local paper to suggest improvements and new enterprises if the suggestions are never acted upon? One-man cannot boom a town. It requires the concerted action of the citizens. When one man shoulders a town and attempts to carry it there are always a lot of cranky kickers ready to Jump on top of the toad. —Valley Times.

Up With the Weeds!

Pull up the weeds! Now Is the time of the year that unless weeds are pulled up the seed will be carried by the winds into the many beautiful gardens of the city.—Marion Chronicle.