The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-05-05
From the New Orleans Crescent.

IndIan Depredattons ora the Rio Grand<.
BY tho last accounts from Texas "A appears thu
the Indians on the Rio Grande frontier becominS
very troublesome to both the Americans and Mexi
cans In their neighbohood. Not only Is the unitet
States Government bound toprotectl ts own citizen'
who live on the confines OF the Indian territory bu
Il has also assumed by the recent treaty OF Guadu
lupe 10 protect 10 certain extent the MexcaDs who
have hitherto been the greatest sufferers fom the in
cnrsons Of the Camnnch.s, the Lipans and The
Apanhes. Having then under Its care and proIec-
tioE all the inhabitants both American and Mexican
that dwell in the valley Of the Rio Grande, the Uni
ted States should provide force sufficient 10 repe
the inroads of the wild, fierce tribes which hang
abont that region and keep the whites In astate o
constant anxiety for their property and families. Sc
far very small force has been provided for thi.
frontier, and the little force there Is composed al
most entirely of infantry The Indians are mounted
well equipped with arms, and sngularly bold and
daring In their attacks. Hence the necessity for cav
airy not only TO keep the Indians of from the white
Settlements but to follow the savages into their own
villages and teach them TO fear as well as 70 hate the
pale-faces.
CINE, the last that our Government will be called on
TO subdne and conquer. Hitherto our borders have
been constantly enIargng, and the line of frontier
defence has consequently been continually extend
ngi but hereafter, any acquisition Of territory on
the part Of the United States will diminish rather
Than increase the extent of our boundary lines But
the tribes that at present wander about the Rio
Grande well the quleter tribes which dwell be-
tween the ne1d-Watefs oil tne del NOflc ana inc fu-
ciic must share the fate Of the Atlantic and Missis
sippi tribes. We are afraid however that there will
be considerable difficulty with the tribes OF Western
Texas There Is clearly but one course for the Gov
eminent TO pursue; and the more vigorously the
policy Is carried OUT the less expensive II will be or
u.s. and the less cruel will II be for the Indians. II
evidently vain for to try to conciiate these tribes
They mistake the spirit Of Cancellation for fear and
have no idea Of power softened and controlled by
mercy. Hence we have resource left but TO carry
on hostiliiies against them 40 vigorously 10 com
pletcy cripple them, and take away from them the
power IL not the will Of harmng
II may seem rather hard TO carry on offensive OPP
erations against people so utterly destitute, even in
state Of peace Of all those things which are 10 us
the comforts and amenities Of life. But il we are
satisfied thar Il is impossible 10 protect the nhabi-
tans Of the frontier from Indian depredations, I'M
less by keeping the tribes constantly In fear Of at
tack from our cavalry, il Is clear that the Of Of
fence IL not only the best for US but will also spare
the savages much unnecessary suffering II IL crn.
city TO prolong the agonies Of existence when the
body is being slowly tortured TO DEATH and the man
is mercifnl who pieTces with spear The side Of ano
Their nailed TO the cross. vigorous policy In regard
to the Apaches aud Camanches would, we are per.
snnded be The Safest the mides and the best for all
parfiea. weak, hesitniing, dily -dnllyng course
such as must necessarily be pursued unless we sub
stute cavalry for infantry--can only leave the
whites 10 great degree exposed to the savages and
will prodnge Infinite misery and suffering among
the Indians themselves