The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-06-13
THE INVASION OF MEXICO.
emi-Onicial Approval OF McKenzie's
Operations.
Washington Cor. New York Herald.I


washington Cor New York Herald.l
As there has been much speculation
throughout the country regarding the
recent punishment of the Kickapoo In
dams in connection with the reported
invasion of Mexico by cavalry force
under Col. Mckenzie, the following
semi-official statement explains the atti-
tude of the Administration:
It was determined last fall to stop the
rowing bands of Indians, give them
reservations, and require them to be on
the lands designated within reason
able time-not later than January. The
President instructed the Secretary of the
Interior to inform the superintendent
and Indian Agents located in the vicin-
ity of the predatory bands that the
Great Father is exhausted, his heart is
angry, and his hand will be found heavy
against all who do not obey him, stop
their rowing life, and peacefully go on
the reservations assigned them. III they
do not obey him, he will send his sol
diers to punish them. The Modocs,
Apaches and Kickapoos were about the
only bands which resolutely opposed the
order of the President The result OF
the campaign against the Modocs and
Apaches is already known. The klcka-
poos occupied foreign territory, and for
their removal Congress made ample APP
preparation. 1t was intended to give
them good lands in the southwestern
part of the Indian Territory, and cav
airy escort was promised through Texas
to prevent any revengeful attack by the
Texans. All propositions for their leav-
their future care was assigned to the
army. Anticipating renewal of their
forays into Texas, and in order that the
entire frontier might be under one COM
mand, the Department of Texas was
added to the Military Division of the
Missouri, under Lieut.. Gen. Phil. Sher-
idan. The visit OF the Secretary of War
TO Texas, in March, had no official sig
nifcance whatever. Partly for recrea-
ton, and partly for the purpose OF as
certaining whether the department was
as economically managed as it should
be, he accompanied Gen. Sheridan on
his inspecting tour. From the latter
Col. Mckenzie received instructions
substantially to pursue and punish the
Kickapoos the first time decisive blow
could be struck. Nothing was said re-
garding an invasion of Mexican terri
tory; and, so far as known, he obeyed
the instructions of his superior officer,
without discussing the propriety of
crossing the Rio Grande in executing
them. 1t is not expected that his Off
cial 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 defense of the past or future
conduct of its military officers on the
Texan border as the peace and protec-
ton of our people in this part of the
country may demand. The Kickapoos,
as already stated, are included among
the number which have been turned
over to the army for punishment. There
is no reason to doubt but what that or
der will be strictly obeyed, while it is
equally certain no order has emanated
from the President authorizing the in
vasion of any part of Mexican territory
by the Federal forces
1t is said in military circles that the
operations of Col. Mckenzie will doubt
less serve as warning to all armed
bands who cross to our territory for
stealing or murderous purposes.