The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-12-31
FRONTIER or THE LOWER mo
GRANDE.

The history of our extended line of from
tier, Since 1859, presents series of Inva-
sions by bands of armed Mexicans, and of
ceaseless outrages. It includes long list
of deeds of violence, assassinations, MUIR
ders, robberies, and all CHASTITY Incl
dents of predatory war. The loss of life
has been great; millions of dollars worth
Of property have been destroyed or carried
into Mexico. The inhabitants of the region
between the Nueces and the lower Rio
Grande have lived in state of constant
dread and insecurity. They have gone to
bed each night with no reasonable hope of
exemption from robbery before the dawn of
the morrow.
Thedevelopments made before the United
States Frontier Commission were really as
founding. They showed, by the oaths of
both native born and naturalized citizens,
that war has been waged upon the people
Of Texas by Mexicans and their Indian allies
--of sanguinary character, revolving to hui
manity. Maidens have been brutality out
ragged, women and children carried into
captivity, wives torn from their husbands
and forced to crafty the lusts of savage
monsters. Those who became victims of
the scalping knife were more fortunate than
prisoners reserved for concubinagc and
slavery.
Among the internal acts which have sig
nalized this war may be mentioned the
murder Of Major Bowling and family above
Laredo, and che horrible fate of his
daughter of about sixteen years. She was
found with her skull crushed, and had been
the victim of atrocities the mere mention of
which would curdle the blood. Men were
killed, robbed, and their bodies skinned
and mutilated Such was the fate of a
young German killed between Brownsville
and the mouth of the RIO Grande; of Hen
derson and his companion, assassinated in
Mexico in 1878, and Of many others Muir
dock was tied on his own bed, a harrow placed
on his body, and then he was burned in his
own house near Corpus Christi. Mr.. Alex
ander was wantonly assassinated while sit
ting in his ambulance. Swift and wife
were stabbed to death in their bed room,
and the Penascal murders were the bloodiesi
deeds known in the annals of crime
Indians, Mexican citizens, and Mexican
soldiers With Mexican arms In their hands,
were the perpetrators, and these were under
The command OF Mexican officers. Thi.
has been sworn to by men who saw them,
who were made prisoners by them, and some
Of whom were robbed by them. These
proofs arc in Washington City.
Another pertinent inquiry is whittier did
they AZ to find an asylum Tor themselvei
and place Of deposit for their stolen prop
crtyg After having murdered and robbed
Texans, these hostile bands generally mad,
forced marches for crossing on thcsRiC
Grande. Once on Mexican soil they an
safe. They hnd q ready market for theil
plumber, and q sympathizing people to ex
tend to them the hand Of friendship and o.
welcome. They rise in the estimation o.
the Mexican public just in proportion L
tho enormity Of crimes and excuses they
commit in Texas. Cortina was a murderer
and sneak thief until he Redeemed hi
hands in American blood. Then his Crate
fol coontrymen pronounced him hero, anI
his good government elevated him to IN
lank of brigaaier general in the regular
army.
oIacials thigh in rank are the partner
81 the raiders. The Mexican authoritie
extend them countenance and protection
10 that extent the war upon Texas has IN
sanction Of the Mexican government. I
had Il ia another and stili higher sense; tina
government has been cOgnizant Of the exis
ienco o. this predatory war, Of the organi
taiion aud equipment 81 expeditions With
her ,ergitory 10 invade that Of govern
mint with whom she is at pesce, and n
s|eos were taken to restrain her soldiery q
hsr cifircns According to the prineipl,
ol international Law she Is responsible (.
,isatis and can Be held 10 = strict .
eSnn.abiliiy for their depredations.
i was Supposed By many that the "a
lhat ihe government Of the Cnited Stat
h1 s,nf commissioner to the frontier
gsie and report upon ihese naaste'
ad herc TIE elect a. SURPRISING 9
3efs. soch has not been the case. A
VICES lron tie lower no Grande Indicate
fearful aieof STAIRS. Raidsere freQue1