The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-12-17

AUSTIN, Texas.
Senate Chamber Nov ~ 1910

Buena Vista, Oct J. 1897 and the other from H. segson
and dated Rema, Oct 5, 1919 Either of these communion
tons should let with passing notice, did not dis
disposition The part Of the writers to depreOate the
importance Of present position the frontier while at the
time they endeavOr reflections upon the conduct
othe cOmmandant Ofthe Eighth Military Department; ehag
ing him with deelieton Of duty in making the present dis
tibuton of the three Ranging Companies lately called into
service by his order Accusations Of such character have
tendency display the ignorance of the writers, than
inure the standing and reputation of the commanding officer
General Brooke used every eXegOn in his power ascertain
the most prominent points to be protected and made the most
iudieious selections for stations far be capable Of de-
tenining from the evidence before him. lie officer who
has always been characterized for discretion in all matters he
undertakes; therefore, it very likely that he would adopt
plan OF frontier Defence without irst having maturey con-
dered the subject and particularly when it of
such vastimpOance the border settler He has grown gray
in the service Of his country and his military career has been
marked and distinguished more than for his sound udg
ment and eminent skill in putting into operation military plans
which he has conceived necessary for the general welfare
To enable the public decide whether Gen. Brooke the
Government or our writers have exhibited the weak
points alluded to in their correspondence, will give brief
sketch oe present posts occupied by the three Ranging Com
panie Of volunteers. My impression is and it must be the
opinion Of every impartial mind when they become aequant
ed with the facts that the faults committed by the General
and the Government are not 50 egegous made out by those
letter-wriers
In the lst place. no frontier country more in need Of
protection than the country situated between the San Antonio
river and the Rio Gande, bordering the This por-
ton OF the State of Texas consists several countless besides
the county Of Nueoes in which located Corpus Christi all
Of which have suffered with few exceptions, than any
oher counties in the State. From the earliest dawn of the
revolution up to the present time Of devastation and
destruction of property and life by the Indians and Mexcans
have repeatedly occurred in the western part of this State
The bntehey Of Fannns upon the plains of Goiiad the
boodet deed, probably executed by the enemies Of
Freedom is not worse than subsequent sangunary depedatons
computed by the indians in the vicinity of Corpus Christi and
the surrounding country bordering the Rio Grande. Tie
widows and orphans of GOlad Reiugio San Pahico and
No. fa
ton. These counties have been several times depOpuated
and their citizens nassaeed driven away, and this condi
zion they have remained wthsvery little attention, the
revolution.
About eleven years ago. made the first settlement west of
the Naeees river; being the @ attempt of the Anglo
race occupy and improve the country west Of the river up
on American SOIL and under the influence of republican pn-
cples Since that date atrocities of the glazing chaIac-
ter have been perpeae within the region of country where
the three Ranging Companies stationed and during
that time settlements have been continually and
mvaded-tamiles dispersed murdered and Property stolen
destroyed by the Incidents revolving to the feelings
Of humanity, and Startling the finer senses of mankind e.
peciaY desire to live under government controlled
by principles that will protection to property and life
is true that at certain intervals troops have stationed
among and only at such times have the inhabitants oond
cred themselves perfectly secure from danger.
In the astyeaT, the most antO attacks have been commit,
ted by the savages upon citizens while performing their
peaceful aYooatons They have been murdered and their
families carried captves to the mountains where they are now
wearing out yTeced existence. Besides, large amount Of
ed at or near Corpus Christi. Does not such aggression de-
maud the sympathy and protection Of the Government?
This being brief and hasy view of the facts and orc
stances under which that portion of Texas was placed the
citizens OF Corpus Christi petoned and solicited aid from our
State government Gov Wood ordered out two companies
81 mounted rangers, one for three and the other months
service. One Of these companies under command of Cam
Blackwell occupied the country between the Neees and e
Rio Grande; and the other, commanded by Capt Johnson
ranged between the Neuees and San Antonio rivers The
terms Of service Of these companies have expired pryous IN
which time, however Gen. Brooke made requisiton upon
Gov. Wood for three other companies of mounted Volunteers
which are posted as follows, not knowing eoFspo
dents would have them, in the immediate vicinity of Corpus
Christi, but al certain prominent points that command that
portion Of the frontier which requires at the present time pro.
lection
One company, under command of Capt McGowan is sta.
toned the Rio MediO some eighty five orniney miles from
Corpus Christi, which and hope will give ample
protection to that section Of the State composed of the coun
Ties of Goad Dewitt, Victoria, and part Of Refugio An
other company under command of Capt Grumbes is sta.
toned the bank Of the Nueces river about sixty
miles above Corpus Christi. Ths company intended to
give protection to the counties of San Paco, Refugio and
part Of Nueces county. The d company under command
Of Capt Ford being stationed Iona Baneo about
seventy ve miles from Corpus Christi will partially project
the western portion of Nueces county, when at the same
time 1t occupiesa position which will enable Capt Fod's
company to cut off party Of Indians that may make
descent the country situated between the point and
the Rio Gryde. Tins company will also be able to comnu.
nieate with the u > troops stationedon the Rio GIunde
The above being Of the arrangement of
the three companies Of rangers showing how they are posted
TO protect frontier Of nearly hundred and fifty miles in
! ength when properly and npauiay considered it will be
clearly perceived that Gen Brooke has committed any fla
grant aggravated fault in the disposition of those troops
and at the same time convince every Of the caes
ness, well the Of knowledge Of facts relative to
matters which the Correspondents OF the Delta aud News
write about, particularly the correspondent OF the News who
in his pHerlo effort that the county where he resides Is
five hundred miles in circumference without protection
when evidently known that there military posts located
/ ando s,fp
The main question to be determined whetherthe Govern
ment Of the United States morally bound protect tile
pioneer and agrcutusthe bone and snew Of the country
ana great prime mover Of American pr0sperybeioFe the
trader merchant who Launches out into wild specuaos
for ayatcous purposes and who umphany reioiees when
he deceyes his oredulous purchaser.
have desire neither hayethe citizens Of Corpus Christi
to throw obstacles in the Of protection capitalists who
may embark in any lawful enterprise, either of commercial
or agricultural character the Rio Grande but most cor
daily oppose the principle which many have out with
disappearing affairs for the purpose of promoting the
own interest at our sacrifice
have no data before showing what number of troops
are stationed on the Rio Grande, but from article lately
published in the Western fexan at San Antoho-alhougl
have not the same at this time TO reeroI presume teft
several companies Of men on that line If the
force not sufficient to prOecte border proper representa-
ton should be made by the citizens of that section of tho
State, to the Government, demanding soliciting NOR,
troops, without endeavorng Withdraw from the negHbor
hood Of Corpus Christi the only protection which they have
and which is essentially necessary for the preservation of Tho
lives Of the people and the security Of their propey The
three ranging companies referred above have only been in
the service few months during which time they have been
actively employed in securing the country which has given
general satisfaction to e people, and produced change in
the way Of improvement almost unprecedented This mpe
us given to the advancement and prosperity of the country
only be accounted for by the presence Of the troops and
should they continue remain in the service so that the c
zens on the frontier beaured of permanent protection
emigration will soon flow in at such rapid that in few
months further protection will be unnecessary that quarter
should not have encroache thus far upon your time were
not that frequent and uninterrupted reports have been put
INTO circulation, for the purpose of rearng the settlement
and progress Of Corpus Christi and the adjoining country
regret that have been forced communicate the above
statements should have done So had not appreended
that the innocent and unsuspeeng might be led astray by
such exaggerated Misrepresentation.
Respectfully, H. L. KINNEY.
AUSTIN, Nov. %, 1919.
Eds CroseeRtThe Legislature Of Texas has been in sa
sion three weeks but thus far very little has been
There several subjects Of local character which have
created some little excitement but Ofyery little interest 10 your
readers. SeyeEal important measures will come before this
Legislature, during the present session. of the deepest interest
to Texas the result Of which will mark the future course of
this State relative to the great questions which now agtate
the American Union The Santa Fe question is one of the
most important that will before this body, during this
term. In defining the position Of Texas that subject we
no other alternative but to plant ourselves immovaby upon
rights. which guaranteed by the resolutions
that annexed Texas the United States The doctrines con.
tanned in those resolutions will be maintained all hazards
and Gov. Bell, who will into office in a few days, will
assume the hIoadest ground on that subject.
There have been several arrivals recently from M pasO but