The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-08-18

at his camp He wished to use the influence of his
old opponent, whom ne knew to be generous.
visit to place where his life was not worth a pin
head. The fearless ranger crossed the river and
interviewed" the bandit, whom he had beaten In
three open fights. Cortina entertained his visitor,
and used his influences In vain, the honest Texan
telling him he would not move IN the matter.
Many friends who had sworn to revenge any injury
to Ford breathed easier when his good gray head
was seen safe on the Texan side again. COrtina is
to-day in the quiet enjoyment OF his dignity, and 1t
remains for the United States government to either
force Mexico to remove him or to foot the long &C
count Of years. 1t is idle to talk of quiet on the
Rio Grande while this man, all powerful, looks at
his long record OF insults and indignites offered
America, and smiles at the thought OF his high OIL
cial position shetering him.
Personal INCIDENTS.
Cortina's undoubted bravery is exemplifed by his
conduct when on one occasion an e1neafe occurred
in his camp An aid had brought money TO pay his
troops. conspiracy was formed by forty OF his
thieves to kill him and steal the money from his
marquee They opened fire on him, and in des-
perate melee he killed four of the offenders with his
own hand, sending an officer known as Caballo
Banco In pursuit OF the remainder, who were all
killed I'm q summary vengeance. Illustrative OF the
Rio Grande border life Is the
CAREER OF PORTUGAL" THE BANDIT,
Cortina's deadly enemy-a man once Chief OF Po-
lice at Matamoros. This man, thirty five years of
age superb horseman and unequalled pistol shot,
Is devoid Of fear he was during ms adminis N
dering up to Texas the outlaws. On several occa-
sions unaded, he pursued and killed or brought in
the offenders On one occasion Juan PORES,
Mexican in the employ OF two Americans who
were driving cattle to San Antonio, Texas. from
Brownsville, attacked his employers while asleep,
killing one and grievously wounding another He
robbed them and fed to Matamor0s. Texan
sheriff was sent to Matamoros. Portugal offered
his assistance in the capture Of this offender, pur-
sued him. and in single combat wounded him. The
man was brought before Cortina and released.
Seeing that Portugal was not overawed by his
influence, Cortlna sent for him and ordered him TO
apprehend certain Lupo expecting that the
latter would kill the friend of the Americans. 1t
was otherwise decreed, for the man was captured
by Portugal and brought in; Cortna, seeing that
fate was against him, freed Lupo. Portugal
evinced his friendship for Americans in defence
OF Mr.. Robert Nelson's store at Matamoros, killing
a desperate robber.
PLAN 20 AssAssINATE PORTUGAL
COrtn2 was determined TO free himself OF man
so dangerous to his stealing schemes Sending for
Portugal he deposed him from his ONCE and or
dared him to report at the police station at GER
tain time for an interview. Secret orders were
given for the killing OF Portugal, who, however,
suspected the ruse, aud rode up on horseback. The
new chief OF police treacherOusy fired the late
Incumbent but was instantly Killed by a return
shot Troops were at hand Portugal rode across
the square, de1cd Cortna IN q loud voice to ap-
pear and waited. Attacked by policeman, he
sho. him and escaped to brownsville. demand
was made for him, but the United States District
Court ruled that he could not be given up to pr-
vate vengeance. Desperate and burning For ven
geance, Portugal went back to the Mexican side,
and has waged war against Cortina's command,
riding once in msRni1cept az q recklessness be-