The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-24


and requested consent to sending commission to
them for that purpose. The Mexican government
acceded to the request and promised, apparently
in good faith, to do all in Its power to aid in carry
ing out our wishes. Congress In 1871 made an
appropriation OF $25 900 TO defray the expenses OF
their return. To accomplish this end an agent was
appointed by the Indian Bureau, and directed to
visit the Kickapo0s in Mexico, and bring them
back to that portion OF the tribe remaining in the
United states. This agent was accompanied
by delegation OF Kansas Kickapoos.
When they arrived on the frontier their
eyes began TO be opened concerning the
duplcity that had been practised. They found the
people among whom they resided were hostile to
the effort and interposed every obstacle in their
power to prevent 1t. Instead OF the Mexican gov
eminent, as they agreed to, gathering the Indians
with the view OF transferring them to the agent
money was distributed among them, and the most
dreadful reports circulated among them as to the
intentions OF the United States in seeking for their
removal. The Kickapoos were led to believe that
the war Of the rebellion was not yet ended, and
that they were to be forced into the army and
placed In positions where certain death awaited
them.
FRIEND NILES VISIT TO MEXICO.
On arriving in June, 1871, at Santa Rosa, silver
mining locality where Colonel Mackenzie found
the Kickapoos), the agent-who by the way, was
Quaker, John d. Miles by name-found near one
hundred Indians, the greater part being out on
hunt, raiding, ready to meet him and his CON-
panions, and anxious to hear from their folks In
Kansas. A large portion of those who left that
State In 1864 were dead. They were poorly
clad, when clad at all, and presented
rather q wild and sorry appearance when
compared with the tribe north. They repre-
sented that they were induced to come into
Mexican quarters under promise Of bags Of silver
and many other advantages, yet they had never
received anything from the Republic until three
weeks before. In 1868 the government had APP
proprated $4,000 for their benefit, which had been
duly turned over to the Governor OF the State
tCoahuila) at SaltillO, where It had been lying
until the Winter of 1870 when half the amount was
turned over to Commissioner direct from the
City OF Mexico, to be expended by him for COWS,
horses, carts, &c. This was not done until the
United States had made an appropriation for the
removal OF the KickapOos. Or the second day
after the arrival OF Mr.. Miles the agent bought and
turned over to the Indians fftytwo head of cattle,
and then drove them around the agents head
quarters to let him see that business was meant.
During Mr.. Miles, stay they were assured that the
Mexican government would continue to act in good
faith toward them. At first the Kickapoos were
willing to join their brethren in Kansas but these
acts caused them to change their minds The
Alcalde regarded Mr.. Miles and his companions as
intruders and was totally opposed to the removal,
but he promised protection to the agent, who was
threatened with violence.
FAILURE OF THE MISSION.
Under these circumstances 1t is not strange that
the mission failed. The Ostensible reason given by
the authorities Of Cohahuila that they wished the
Kckapoos to remain on the frontier of his State as
protection to the inhabitants against the CO.
manches and other wild Indians from Texas, was
known to be only a subterfuge. The real motive
was that the inhabitants Of the region around de-
sired to retain them from the fact that large
gains are reaped from the trade growing out OF
their raids into Texas, by which means the Mexican
haciendas are supplied with nne horses and mules
at very low rates. On all the ranches on the from
tier are to be found valuable horses with brands
them OF every stockraser from San Antonio to the
Rio Grande; and in the towns south Of the latter
river are constantly seen valuable animals that
no doubt have found their way there
through the agency Of the KickapOos, who
on the Mexican side. are provided with ammu-
milton arms by parties who trade the plumber
brought across the border The portion OF the
tribe In Kansas make cOmmendable progress In
the cultivation of their farms and In education.
They are satisfied with their present homes, but
they look favorably toward joining their brethren
In Mexico in selecting a new reservation in the
Indian Territory, provided the removal Of the lat
ter can be effected.
RAIDERS FUNNY TRICK.
The removal OF the KickapOos would undOubt-
edly end the plundering raids, Of which there has
been such frequent and Just complaint during so
many years. What has been related proves be-
yond question that Mexico is opposed to this
course, and that the authorities Of that country
have been guilty OF extreme bad faith in the mat
ter. AS long as they remain they must disturb
the harmony between the two countries,
to say nothing OF what would IA thing always
imminent) OF a raid made by the Texans In self
defence. One incident OF comparatively recent Oc-
currence may be mentioned. Lipan Indian was
credited with some twenty dollars worth Of ammu-
milton and other things to be paid back with the
spoils of raid. The Indian On his return related,
in q hooking way. to q crowd Of Mexicans, listen
ing with great interest, how he followed for some
time party OF United States troops going up the
country, and how at last he succeeded In cutting
of soldier who had strayed short distance from
the command and how this man begged him to
spare his life, Offering up arms, horse and all that
he had, but, how he, however, killed him and took
everything from him; the Mexicans listening to
the Lipans story as II it had been very funny
trick.
THE LAST DIPLOMATIC NOTICE.
All efforts to arrive at an und rstanding with
the Mexican government have failed. Mr.. Fish
formally notified 1t that circumstances might arise
when 1t would be deemed necessary for the gov
eminent to consider how far 1t should abstain
from pursuing the marauders across the Rio
Grande, and OF the difncuty OF restraining the
citizens OF Texas from Furnishing the thieves and
murderers who came from and found refuge and
safety In Mexico. Colonel Mckenzie has settled
the question: and his haste in returning to be at
tributed to the desire, no doubt, OF avoiding any
COLLISION with regular troops. The system Of
smuggling that prevails across the Rio Grande will
pr obably new be settled in one way or the other.
MINISTER HARISCAL'S OPINIONS.