National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1873-04-21
THE TEXAS FRONTIER,
CONDITION OF OUR SOUTHERN BORDER.

The Labors ofths Conmission-Nntura
Mexicans md Their sentiments-Mss-
Ice 20 Demand Compensation OF the
Upited states for Having Bnrbored
Runaway Poems.
The following letter from our correspondent
in Texas will be found interesting, In view OF the
light Il throws on the condition OF the border
country, 10 which public attention has been spe-
elaliy directed by the movements OF the secre-
tary Of War aud Gen. Sheridan. We know now
only IN a general way that serious disorders
have existed and stall exist In that unfortunate
country, but We know little Of tho details, some
Of which are presented by our correspondent,
and all OF which will he embraced In the re pori
Of the frontier commissioners
THE PAST AND TuE PRESENT.
In former years the San Diego country had
many large stock owucra. There were herbs Of
cattle, droves Of horses and locks OF sheep and
goats visible In evory direction. Now the case
IA different. Tho Mexlcans and Indians have
driven on the horses and cattle, Killed the shep.
herds and dispersed the sheep and goats-in fact
me MexIcSns have perpelrated the greater
number OF the robbeTos, The Indians have been
- butchers. About nine months since they
tihed two sons and shepherd Of Candelario
, Garcia and wounded others. one OF his sons
was left for dead He was cut across the face
with large knife. The cut commenced Just IN
front OF his eyes, and penetrated downwards
nearly TO his teeth. The bone was severed, and
that part Of his face hung down and was held
by the corners OF his mouth. He recovered, but
Is fnghtfuly disngured. the dead bodies were
mutilated. The evidence leaves no doubt OF the
ted by KicEapoo Indians, and mat these fends
Mencc '"' ''''''"'' " '"' ' "
,as MEXICAN POPULATION AND THEIR WE'VE.
Tue commissioners, since starting from
broWhsSile' nave 'raVeleu ABOUT iour hunuree
and hfty-nye miles. They have twice Crossed
the region between the Nueces and the Rio
arands and .re NOS convinced, II IA moi a desert.
., ~ "" ,St.,., y. ss,.' 80 -,
mat tue "sanhs are uesuneu 10 oecome WV seat
Of an agricultural people, aud In these peregrin-
atoms they have encountered population COM
posed Of about nine tenths Of Mexican origin
Df thess nine tenths il has been estimated that
four nfths are NOT citizens OF the United States.
They are Mexlcans by birth, education and In
feeling. They have crossed the Rio Grande for
various reasons. some 10 avoid service In the
Mexican army; others to escape punishment for
10 share in the plunder Of citizens OF the United
states They are the accomploes and the spies
Of the EARNED merchants OF Mexico" They are
the Jackais which hunt the prey for the Mexican
Iona, These cratic gentlemen are tho reunited
partner Of the Klckapoo Indians Its believed
mat they nave enabled these red Tascas 10 striks
straight for the best horses. the most exposed
points, aud to avoid plaoea OF danger
The number OF MexIcans who nave really re-
nonneed thelr allegiance 20 the Government Of
heAlvo Is suhl. Inose ul thls nhtonany VINO
have become Americans IN TACT, who discharge
lnen uutles a. citlkens, are uetestel Oy tneii
sVuntfymen. Tue panus OF IoOoers nave palu
ntts IesPe1t 70 nationAlltyi they nave inquired
lot lhose VINO nave something 70 lose anu they
nave stolen u. ,-
Almost the enure MEXICAN population between
me Nueces and the no Grande take one view
Of the American commission. They think they
nave oeen sent 70 the hio Grande 70 get proofs
o. Iobberies and outrages committed by bands
OF armed Mexicans; that when these proofs shall
nave reached Washington our Government viii
declare war against Mexico. They are cOnolous
mat sno ought. They believe Mexico Will De
neld Responsible, and be forced TO pay Ior the
INJURIES lnnlctel upon the residents OF Texas.
They do not wlsh TO assist In saddling heavy
oeot upon thelr native country, consequently
very lew MeNiSans nave presented claims, and
they are unwilling witnesses before the commits
SION. In case OF a war between Mexico and the
United states many naturAllLed Mexcans would
bear arms against our Government, and be guilty
OF treason: They 20 not appear 70 realize the
Iaot that they are cltlzens OF the United states,
anu nave ceased TO be Mexleans politically. In
this country there are MeNleans who have lost
relatives and friends BY the Indians; their prop
erty has been driven on or destroyed, aud they
VIII not present claims because they have been
intmldated by the sentiments OF their former