The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-06-03
The administration and McKenzie's
Raid into Mexico.

A special from Washington to the New
York Herald of the End instant, says:
GAS there has been much speculation
throughout the country regarding thesre.
cent punishment of the Kickapoo Indians
in connection with the reported invasion
of Mexican territory by cavalry force un-
der Colonel Mckenzie, the following semi
official statement explains the attitude oil
the administration f&ff
1T was determined last fall to stop the
rowing bands of Indians, give them reser-
vations, and require them to be on the
lands designated within reasonable time.
The President instructed the secretary OF
the interior to inform the superintendent
and Indian agents located in the vicinity of
the predatory bands, that the patience oil
the Great Father is exhausted, his heart is
angry, and his hand will he found heavy
against all who do net obey him, stop their
rowing life, and peaceably go OH the reser-
vations assigned them. If they do not
obey him he will send soldiers to punish
them.' The Modocs, Apaches and Kick
apoos were about the only bands which
resolutely opposed the order of the Presi-
dent. The result Of the campaign against
the Modocs and Apaches is already known.
The Kickapoos occupied foreign territory,
and for their removal Congress made
ample appropriation. It was intended
10 give theta good land in the
southwestern part Of the Indian
territory, and cavalry escort was
promised through Texas, to prevent any
revengeful attack by the Texans. All
propositions for their leaving Mexican soil
were rejected, and their future care was
nd ~, fbo t,ot,a
newal of their forays into Texas, and in
order that the entire frontier might be
under one command, the department OF
Texas was added to the military division OF
the Missouri, under Lieutenant General
Phil. Sheridan. The visit of the secretary
of War to Texas in March had no
official significance whatever. Partly for
recreation and partly for the purpose OF
ascertaining whether the department was
as economically managed as it should be,
he accompanied Gen'l Sheridan on his in
specting tour. From the latter Col. Nc.
Kenzie received instructions substantially
to pursue and punish the Kickapoos the
first time decisive blow could be struck
Nothing was said regarding an invasion of
Mexican territory, and SO far as is known
he obeyeG the instructions of his superior
officer, without discussing the propriety of
crossing the Rio Grande in executing
them. 1t is not expected his official report
will explain or account for any alleged
violation Of the territory of Mexico. The
first intimation will come from the Mexican
government. 1t will then remain for this
government to make such defence of the
past or future conduct of its military Off
GERS on the Texan border as the peace and
protection of our people in this part
of the country may demand. The Kicka-
poos, as already stated, are included among
the number which have been turned over
to the army for punishment. There is no
doubt but what that order will be strictly
obeyed, while it is equally certain no or
der has emanated from the President au-
thorizing the invasion Of any part Of Mex
lean territory by the federal forces"