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Exodus-Women and Children

NEWS OF WHAT was taking place in Colonia Dublan reached Bishop Bentley at Colonia Juarez by telephone late in the afternoon. From Hyrum Harris he received details as well as the added information that President Romney was on his way to Colonia Juarez to repeat the Dublan action. He sent his counselors to notify all priesthood members to assemble immediately. Family heads must be informed of the drastic turn of events and combined wisdom must be assembled to discuss possible action. In the meantime he discussed the probability of evacuation with his family and others within reach. Armed with the conviction that there could be found a way to prevent leaving he met with a full representation of the priesthood members at eight o'clock that evening determined that all the power he possessed would be exerted to prevent it.

"We don't know what pressure was brought to bear on the people of Dublan to force this ultimatum," he told those assembled, "but I still feel the Lord can protect us here as well as anywhere. Though through it all, we will be subject to President Romney and the instructions he will give us when he gets here." Others felt the same and expressed themselves quite unanimously in favor of remaining with their homes, unless counseled otherwise by President Romney. President Romney arrived and gave a dramatic recital of the train of events which forced compliance at Dublan, and his surrender of guns to the rebels. With no visible means of protection he felt that his wife and children were no longer safe in the country, and that if his family was not safe none were. The sentiment at once changed. Bishop Bentley, regardless of personal convictions, took the initiative in promising that "If our Stake President's advice is to move women and children to a place of safety, mine will go right along with the others and I'll instruct my ward members to do the same. No matter what private opinions I may maintain, I know that safety lies in obeying the priesthood and I am as always subject to its direction."

There were no dissenting votes when the final count was taken and the men dispersed to notify their families to make ready for a move the next day. First, however, guns were to be delivered to the band stand by noon the next day where Lino Ponce and other rebel officials would receive them. This order did not include the new guns still in the possession of the bishop.

Sunday morning, July 26, 1912, preparations for evacuation were begun. Special trains ordered by H. E. Bowman would arrive on Monday, but many preferred to take the regular train which left Pearson at noon Sunday. And before the day was far advanced the road from Colonia Juarez to Pearson was lined with a stream of wagons piled with bedding, trunks, boxes, and topped with excited women and children who rode where they could. Once the spirit of move had taken hold there was no delay in getting to Pearson. Only the knowledge that the regular train held accommodations for a limited number kept them from making this the day for complete exodus. All rode off leaving their homes just as they lived in them from day to day; all were sure that an immediate return would be possible. As a result none took along more of necessities than could be placed in one trunk or a bed roll, and few realized that they were looking on their homes for the last time. Rather, this was an adventure altogether pleasant except for the sadness of leaving husbands, sons, and fathers. Even the war seemed remote and unterrifying until an incident occurred to the foremost wagon, driven by Walter Haws and carrying the wife, children and grandfather of Ernest Hatch. This was stopped by a drunken bandit, who, with gun leveled, demanded money. Grandfather McClellan, an aged Mormon Battalion soldier and a veteran of the Utah Indian wars, answered from the spring seat, that he had none. He was ordered to step down which he did with as much dignity as proddings from the horseman permitted. Directed a few steps from the road he was ordered with pointed gun to give up his money or be shot. Standing erect, sun shining on gray locks, McClellan looked the crazed man in the face, and without changing the expression on his own replied "Well, then shoot." The drunken bandit wavered and without explanation whirled his horse and rode off in the direction of another approaching wagon, that of Bishop Bentley, driven by his son Richard. Again he was unsuccessful and he raced for the next wagon to demand money from each in turn. From Byron MacDonald he got $25.00, from George Redd $20.00, and from Edmund Richardson a gold watch. He then entered town and robbed the aged Mary B. Eyring of $40.00 and Alma Walser of $5.00. He later stole a hat from Juan Treviso, the local policeman, an act that ended in his arrest. All this took place while public attention was centered on the gun delivery ceremony at the band stand. Lino Ponce, Melquiades Alvarez and twenty-five assistants had been occupied in the gun count and were unaware of the depredations of the red shirted bandit as he moved from one helpless victim to another. Disappointed in the collection of guns being handed in, they might have ignored the offense had the policeman not complained at the loss of his hat. This complaint, augmented by a report of Alma Walser's loss, brought the arrest and the robber was brought to the band stand where he was searched. Concealed on his body was found money, and in his sock was found the watch. This was the kind of treatment which Salazar had promised protection against and to correct the apparent injustice Lino Ponce immediately assured them that execution would take place as soon as Salazar was informed. Lieutenant Alvarez pointed out, however, that delay made possible the bandit's escape during the night and urged immediate execution. To this Ponce agreed and about sundown Juan Bautista and two other soldiers took the prisoner to the old graveyard on the eastern hills, stood him against a bank, and shot him. The body was partially covered by what loose dirt could be kicked over him and there he was left until Ernest Hatch, President Romney, and Eli A. Clayson went the next day and completed the burial.