The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-10
DOES 1T MEAN WAR?
All the Available Troops in the Country Being
Concentrated Along the Rio Grands-Seven
Regiments Now on the Ground-Secretary
Belknap, Phil Sheridan and the
Old Generals in Consultation.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas. March 90, 1873.
Are we drifting into war? Is General Grant
preparing the way for that millennium when the
world shall "become one nation, speaking one Ian
guage, ana when armies and navies will no longer
be required" by adding, noes rolens, our sick and
iawless neighbor on the Rio Grande to our glori-
Gus constellation OF States? Is 1t menace an
army OF protection or an army of invasion that our
troops are concentrating in Texas, and particu-
larry on its western boundary9
These are questions that are being asked by
every one hereabouts-by those who for years
have been predicting that such an event would
soon come to pass, well as by those who have
laughed at the idea as chimerica. For the last five
years a war with Mexico has seemed possible, but
never before has it appeared probable For months
past an activity In the military. unusual in these
piping times OF peace, has prevailed In this State.
Troops changing station, repairs and refittngs in
the Quartermaster's Department and inspections
are the order of the day. The Rio Grande, between
Laredo and Brownsville, which not long since was
almost entirely without cavalry, an arm of the
service most necessary there has now the Ninth
cavalry. General Edward Hatch in command, with
headquarters at Ringgold, besides the Twenty
fourth infantry, General Doubleday in command,
at Fort Clark, fifteen miles distant from
the Rio Grande = ten companies OF the
a,
under General Mckenzie, an oflicer VINO, though,
young in years and with reputation that would
already satisfy many older men, Is ambitious IN
seeking fresh laures 1t is also believed that the
troops occupying the northern and northeastern
frontier OF Texas are under orders to march south.
The following Is a list OF the regiments now sta
toned in Texas, with their respective command
ing officers, VIZ =
Fourth cavalry, Colonel r. S. Mckenzie.
Ninth cavalry, Colonel Edward Hatch.
Tenth infantry, Lieutenant Colonel A. Med. Nc.
Cook.
Eleventh infantry, Colonel W. II. Wood
Twenty-l0urth infantry, Colonel Doubleday.
Twenty-fifth infantry, Colsne Andrews
All OF which can be made dlsposable by the addi-
ton OF two regiments from General Pope's com
mand. The Nineteenth Infantry in New Orleans
could also be added so tnat IN six weeks an avail
abe force OF 5000 regulars can be thrown on the
Rio Grande. Texas would be glad to add 1000 of
her horseMen which, acting as Irregular cavalry,
would be difficult TO surpass. And In New Mexico
may be readily organized. These are facts about
when there Is no secrecy, and which, 1t seems to
lne, are significant OF future events
General Augur, commanding this department,
returned yesterday from q trip to the Rio Grande,
and we are hourly expecting General Belknap,
Secretary OF War, together with General Sheri-
dan. any lighting Is to be done,
Sheridan, the fighter par excellence? The names
OF Augur, McCook, Doubleday and others known
10 US years before our late ever 10 be amented war
are guarantees OF success.
That the annexation OF Mexico or a removal OF
our frontier further west, is Unsuitable and neces-
sary Is beyond dispute. Witness our stolen he rds
our murdered citizens Witness, too those rowing
inolahs our pest anu our terror, who find in her
towns a ready market for their plunder and a
geluge from our troopers. Forbearance ceases RI
be q virtue with such telltales staring us In me
lace Tor years "but our sister Republicr Is the
cry Republic lorsooth OF factions and militarv
bands Republic preyng on itself, semi-civized
tnane.