The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-05-20

The Indian Massacre ON tho Border.
The attack on the supply train at Towards
Well, on the Texan border, and the massacre
OF seventeen persons with all the most horrible
features of the old Indian atrocities, once more
call public attention to the state of our border.
Although the majority Of the miscreants are said
TO have been red men they were by no means
the only actors in the bloody drama. Mexi-
cans and negro deserters from the United
States army also took part in the devilish
work. The fact is that the state of society on
the border is such as to encourage the
development Of the worst qualities Of our
nature. And 80 long as the present state Of
things is allowed, incidents that are o dis
grace to civilization must continue to occur.
The tenderness Of the United States authorl-
ties for the ruffans that infest the border is not
easily comprehended. They are unquestion-
ably the offscourings of every race and COM
bine the most savage traits of all. Owing no
allegiance to either the Mexican or United
States government they make war with impair
tiaity on the subjects Of either, and yet find
safety from pursuit under the flag of both,
We appreciate the feeling which prompts
the military officers to respect the independ-
ence Of a neighboring territory, but cannot
help thinking that in this case it is mistake.
1t Is certain that we cannot continue to look
on idly while bands of murderous rufians
are allowed to issue from friendly State and
make war upon our citizens. The extent Of
our frontier precludes the possibility of our
nd 70 L. -
marauders, and the only adequate remedy
seems to be the establishment Of protectorate
over the Mexican republic If the Indians
will not remain at peace with the white man
they must be taught to feel his power in
way that will leave them no choice between
peace and determination. There is certainly
no reason why man whose skin is red should
be any more at liberty than white man to
commit crimes against society; and, this
being recognized, the weak policy
hitherto pursued against the hostile Indians
ought certainly to be abandoned and a
vigorous one adopted in its stead. It would
not be difficult by adopting precautionary
measures to sensibly diminish the danger
from the Indians. Were the sale Of firearms
strictly prohibited the red mans power for
evil would be greatly lessened. This Is so
obvious, and the safeguard 80 easy to be en-
forced, that 1t is very difficult to understand
why the border States have not enacted laws
to this end for their own protection.
Society along the Mexican border is just now
in such demoralized condition that even the
government agents are flying for their lives
This state of things reflects very little credit
either on the State or federal authori-
ties. It certainly must not be permitted to
continue If the President would turn away
from his laundering attempts to patch up with
England dishonorable treaty, which can bring
no honor to himself nor benefit to this country,
he would find wide field for the exercise of
his energies in maintaining the honor Of
the nation and protecting our citizens
from outrage. We have before pointed
out to him that his true policy was to gain
support for his administration by q vigorous
Mexican policy. It is at once our interest and
that of the Mexican people to have an end put
to the chronic anarchy which exists in the
neighboring republic. We cannot be expected
10 suffer disgraceful outrages to be enacted on
our borders; it is o duty that we owe to civil
ization not less than to ourselves to free tie
Mexican people from the bands Of military
robbers who, under one pretence or another,
plunder the law-abiding citizens. Until we
make up our minds to fulfil our duty such
Incidents as the massacre at Towards Well
will continue to stain our civilization. If the
government paid that respect to popular
opinion which it ought the scandal would soon
be at an end. Mexico would then repose in
peace under the protecting folds Of the Stars
and Stripes.