The New York Times/1901/08/01/Americans Allege Mexican Outrage
AMERICANS ALLEGE MEXICAN OUTRAGE.
Unprotected Women Arrested for Defending Their Home.
Special to The New York Times.
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31.—According to the story told by some Americans who are returning to their homes in Cincinnati, Ohio, they underwent a severe ordeal in Mexico. The Americans are Mrs. J. J. Kauffman, wife of the manager of the gold mines of W. A. Perry at Santos Varones, State of Guerrero, Mexico; Mrs. McLaughlin, mother of Mrs. Perry, and John Perry.
They say that at night, about two weeks ago, Mrs. Perry and her mother were in their home at Santos Varones, when an attack was made on the place by brigands. Mrs. Perry shot and fatally wounded one of the Mexican outlaws, who tried to force an entrance to the house. The news quickly spread, and the commandant of the district soon arrived with a posse of soldiers, surrounded the house, and commanded the two women to surrender. W. A. Perry, his son John, and T. J. Arthur, an American mining man, who had just arrived at the place, were placed under arrest with the women. The following day they were moved forward to Tetipac, where they asked permission to communicate with the City Judge, at Tasco; but the privilege was denied them.
When the Judge and his secretary had gone to dinner they prevailed upon the guard to allow them the use of the telephone.
Immediately upon being informed of their predicament, the City Judge ordered the release of the prisoners and the arrest of the commandant, who, it is charged, had heaped indignities on his prisoners. Messrs. Perry and Arthur returned at once to their camp and took their families to Tasco, the home of the City Judge, where Mrs. Kauffman remained to make her declaration before the court.
Action in the matter was delayed by the Judge at Tetipac, who it is alleged, failed to promptly forward the report of the affair. After several days, Messrs. Perry and Arthur obtained the assistance of higher officials in liberating the women. Upon being advised of the affair, Gov. Mora wired instructions for a thorough investigation.
Mrs. Kauffman was allowed to leave after making her statement, and the other prisoners were also released.