many letters from individuals interested in his "big scheme" and believed the Mangum Sun-Monitor would be a good vehicle through which to advertise his intensions to a wider audience. So in an article titled "About the Mexican Colony" published in the July 24, 1902, issue, Mr. Blalock announced to the world his "...scheme to plant a colony in southern Mexico..."[22]

Mr. Blalock’s plan was to create a company with a capital stock of $100,000 divided into 2,000 shares each worth $50. An individual investor would not be allowed to own more than twenty shares of stock unless enough buyers could not be found to purchase all of the necessary shares to build capital for the venture. Only then could a shareholder buy additional five or ten shares. Individuals could also join together to purchase shares if they did not have enough money to afford five shares independently. Only those who were members of the colony and who were willing to emigrate to Mexico would be allowed to purchase shares.[23]

Guided by this organizing plan, Mr. Blalock and a small number of Greer County men formed a "preliminary organization of about fifteen heads of families"[24] with the intent of buying land in Mexico. This group was, "...comprised of small farmers, tenant farmers, and homesteaders".[25] They encouraged Mr. Blalock's return to Mexico with the objective of finding and buying land. While Mr. Blalock searched for suitable property, the other members began the business of creating a formal organization to support their goals.[26] They began holding regular meetings in Mangum.

Return to Mexico

On his return trip to Mexico, Mr. Blalock reentered at the United States border town of El Paso, Texas. Pat Garrett,[27]  the customs collector, took him to the Mexican Counsel where Mr. Blalock presented himself and received a letter of introduction for his use in the Republic of Mexico. Mr. Blalock recalled the contents of the letter, "...Mexico desired just such people as I was trying to bring with me… people who would invest, live and show them [Mexicans] the better way to live."[28]

According to Mr. Blalock, throughout his travels in Mexico, he was treated with much respect. He testified that, “I frequently ran up against things that were, of course, unusual; I was arrested [detained] several times, but I had a letter from this consul at El Paso, that on showing that letter I was always immediately released and apologized to… For instance, once I was held up for passing through a town without calling on the mayor, or jefe.”[29]