The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-02
THE INVASION OF MEXICO.
Semi-O Official Approval of Nc
Kennels Operations.
THE GREAT FATHERS WARNING UNHEEDED.
The Kickapoos Consigned to the
Military for Punishment.
WASHINGTON. June 1 1879.

As there mas been m uch speculation throughout
the country regarding the recent punishment the
Kickapoo Indians in connection with the reported
invasion OF Mexican territory by cavalry force
under Colonel Mckenzie, the following semi
oilicia statements explains the attitude OF the ad-
ministration:-
Ii was determined last Fan 70 stop the rowing
bands OF Indians. give them reservations ana re-
qnlre them 10 be on the lands designated within
reasonable time; not later than January. The
President instructed the Secretary OF tae Interior
10 inform the Superintendents anu Indian agents
located In the vicinity OF the pre- daory bands that
the Great Father Is exhausted hts heart is angry
and hs hand will be found heavy against all
who do not obey him, stop their rowing
life and peacefully 90 on the reservations
Assigned them. II they do not obey him he VIII
send his soldiers TO punish them. The Modocs,
Apaches, and Klckapoos we're about the only bands
which resoutely opposed the order OF the Presi-
dent The result OF the campaign against the
Modocs and Apaches Is already known. The
kcAapoos occupied foreign territory, and for their
removal Congress made ample appropriation. 1t
was intcSded TO give them good lands In the south
western 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 assigned to the army. An
ticpating renewal 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 PM. sheridan. The visit of
the Secretary OF war to Texas in March had no
Official significance whatever. Partly for recrea-
ton an partly for the purpose OF ascertanng
whether the Department was as economically man
aged rs 1t should be, he accompanied General
Sheridan on his inspecting tour. From the latter
Colonel Mckenzie received instructions substan-
TALLY 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 known, he obeyed the Instructions
OF his superior officer, without discussing the pro-
priety OF crossing the Rio Grande In executing
them. II 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 IL win
then remain for this government to make
such defence OF the past or future conduct OF Its
military officers on the Texan border as the peace
and protection 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 punlshm ent.
There is no reason 10 doubt but what that order
Will be strictly obeyed while il Is equally certain
no order has emanated from the President author
zing the invasion OF any part OF Mexican territory
by the federal forces.
The Mexican Minister has not yet received full
official account oil the particulars attending Colonel
McKenze's operations against the Lipans and
Klckapoos. and therefore Is not now prepared
to represent the case 10 our government
with view TO explanations There Is no
doubt these will be placed on the ground OF
the duty OF the government TO protect It's citi-
zens and punish all hostile invaders OF our soil
wherever found. the Mexican government being
unwilling or unable to prevent such incursions.
1t is said in military circles that the operations OF
Colonel Mckenzie will doubtless serve as a.warning
to all armed bands who cross to our territory for
ste allng or murdcrous purposes.