Yaquis

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

the Indians who inhabit the S. part of the State of Sonora, Mexico, in the district of Guayamas. In the time of Cortez they are said to have numbered 300,000; but are now reduced to about 15,000, of whom not more than 5,000 are able-bodied men. The Yaquis have always been at war with the Spaniards and Mexicans, and while often defeated have never been conquered. They revolted against Spain in 1735 and in 1825, and against the Mexicans in 1832, each time being overcome. In 1841 they made another attempt and for years held the government at bay. Order was restored by a compromise. War broke out again, however, and from 1848 till 1897, when a treaty was concluded at Ortiz, scarcely a year passed without a conflict between the Mexican troops and the Indians. In the summer of 1899, the Yaquis again broke out and a fierce struggle ensued. They were well armed with Winchester rifles and fought desperately, but gained no permanent success. The Yaquis, according to those who know them best, are much superior in intelligence to other Indians. They are industrious, and during the building of the Southern Pacific railroad worked faithfully. They saved the money so earned and invested it in rifles and ammunition. They are a pastoral people, but in a rude way are somewhat skilled in the arts. They are ruled by their own laws, follow their own customs, and are strongly attached to their ancestral pagan faith. They are naturally hospitable, kind to their families, and very brave.