The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-08-13

tons Penetrating into the province Of Sonora for
upwards of . hundred miles, our own witnesses
testify that the Apaches have desolated the country,
and depopulated the towns and villages, as if ia
mine and pestilence had swept over the land; and
that our detach ment Of the boundary corps were
reduced to the last straits for food and forage,
until ultimately relieved by the Mexican General
Carrasco. This gallant officer, it appears, has
been detailed by the Mexican government, with a
small body of troops, to protect the frontiers of So
NORA in default of o government in the fulfil
ment of its pledges. Shame shame
1t is also currently reported that a new batch of
Mexican claims, for property destroyed, and for
Mexican men, women, and children, murdered or
stolen by the Indians of the United States will be
laid before the next Congress. And whatever the
techncaltes of the law may be, the equity of such
claims is indisputable. Upon every principle of
right, we should pay the indemnity for losses re-
suting from our neglect the rightful forfeit of
bad faith.
But the question here arises, whyis all this! We
nave means-we have men, thousands OF daring
young men, who would promptly volunteer for active
service along the boundary-the universal seati
ment OF the country is for the treaty and its fulfil
ment in its spirit and to the letter Why, then,
has it not been Observed Congress have been con-
slderably occupied with the negro question; but
that is paltry excuse for neglecting the Indians
Well then, the contemplate clap trap and trumpery
OF economy-that sort of economy which operates
SO largely for buncombe among the Western mem
bers-the econo my of reducing the expenses of the
army and navy, has defeated the necessary bills for
an effective protective army along the boundary.
That, we believe, hits the mark but We do hope
there will be such clamor raised about the ears
of these fellows next session. as will compel them
to prompt reparation of this dishonest economy
and criminal stupidity.
The administration, in the meantime, we appre-
bend, has not acted with all the efficiency which its
means and discretion would Justify. The helpless
Mexicans, We fear, have been unjustly overlooked
by the Executive department, well as by Con-
gress. The situation Of those people has been such
that, with Gen Jackson at the head of affairs, he
would have " assumed the responsibility of their
protection, appropriation no appropriation. The
doing it would be but fulfilling oath taken faith
fully to execute the laws, one of which is our late
treaty with Mexico.
There appears to be some talk in Sonora in favor
ofresortng to the alternative of annexation, as the
only way of securing safe protection against the
Apaches. That subject we shall have time enough
to discuss by and bye. Our immediate duty is to
prevent our wild cattle from strayipg across our
lines and depredating upon the property of our
peghbors, or to indemnify them for their losses.
We trust the Secretary of War will read over very
carefully, the letter Of Mr. Bartlett and study it in
connection with the llth article of the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo and then do the best he can,
till the meeting of Congress- to protect the frontier
settlements, and to save, if possible the boundary
corps from absolute starvation. The Apaches have
cleaned out the country, and CO.. nssioners, it
appears, are dependent upon the charity Of the
Mexican army for supplies. What.a picture What
a shame What says the Secretary Of War;