The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-04-16

The Austin STATESMAN is indignant that
cattle thieving continues so extensively on
the Rio Grande, and expresses Its opinion
There can be no doubt that there are
many persons who know of such raids and
the stealing that is constantly going on. 1t
is a condition of affairs which ought to be
corrected without delay. But it seems to
be useless to make complaints. The whole
business could be broken up if it suited
those who control that section. And we
venture the assertion that if the proper in
vestigation should ever be made, it will be
found that certain officials have been cogni-
zant of what was going on and received
such compensation as would induce them
to feign ignorance. 1t is too absurd to
admit that. herds of cattle and horses
can be stolen and driven. off through
an open country for miles without be-
ing discovered and the thieves arrested.
Will not some of the officers who have con-
troll along the Rio Grande, initiate move
ment which will break up the gang OF
thieves, and put stop to their depreda-
tions? By doing so he would be entitled
to, and would receive the thanks of the
citizens of the whole State. Let us have
an end of such conduct. 1t is too common,
too abominable and 600 expensive GdtCes-
ton Nelos
The Austin STATESMAN in the above ar
ticle makes charges against our officials;
which cannot be sustained. Our officers are
pOwerless to arrest the thieves. They come
over in gangs of tens and twenties, armed
with the best repeating rifles. Our popula-
ton is scattered, and are overawed. They
are afraid to give information, for the
thieves would not hesitate to murder any
one who made themselves Officious in giving
information of their movements.
The United States mounted troops are
irving all in their power to put stop to
these depredations, buS there is not enough
of them. One mounted company, with
only forty serviceable horses, cannot keep
back the thieves successfully along line of
frontier, in this county alone, of seventy
miles, while the counties above have not
even as much security. Occasionally scout
is sent out from RInggold Barracks down
the river, but the thieves are posted as to
these movements and govern their raids ac-
cordingly. - Brownsville SeDttReI. ,h 9 gd
The above is humiiating statement
Can it be possible that the United States
cannot protect her citizens and their prop
ertyG Must gangs Of ten and twenty free
hooters be permitted at will, in broad day,
or whenever it suits the condition of their
purses, to come over into Texas, steal cattle
and horses and drive them of, with as much
complacency as if they were the legal
owners, and go as free as the wind
Has it come to this But is it really true
that the government cannot protect our cit
izens along the Rio Grande If it has not
been done heretofore, it is not because
the government is not able. If piraticaI
crew should capture small schooner any
where along the Atlantic coast there would
be such an outcry as would call ont, if ne
cessary, the men-of-war, the huge ironclads
or monitors, and all Of the smaller and
swifter vessels in the various navy yards,
pursuit would be made, and no cessation
allowed until the pirates were captured and
summary justice melted out to them. But
here. all along the Rio Grande, land pirates,
as bad as any that ever sailed under the
skull and cross bones, are continually
depredating upon the property Of our ctr
zens, and when Che local authorities and
officers Of government are requested to CON-
mence such vigorous measures as viii bring
them to speedy justice, answer is made
for them that they are powerless,
that the citizens are POWerless and
afraid to inform against them Will
the United States officers in that section
notify the authorities at Washington Of
the true condition Of Affairs, and make an
appeal for force Of sufficient strength to re-
store order and secure safety to the citizens
Or viii they just permit matters TO go on in
the same slipshod disjointed uayi We
shall see, and then the country win be bet
ter prepared to attach blame or award
praise. ssHonor 70 whom honor is due.
Where is there government that vOuli
permit such hieh-handed acts Of robbery
and not take immediate steps to bring the
maraudefs 70 punishment II such acts
were perpetrated upon English subjects.
the Rio Grade would be swarming with
English troops and the Mexican govern
ment would be held to the strictest accounf-
ability Tor every freebooter who should
/ cross the border.