The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-12-08
DISORDERS ON THE BORDER.
ARMr OTTTCERs EyPLIIy TIE ORR
GIN or TENN 7ROUBLES.
Herdes or Inwiess cattle Ucrders Making
Most OF the pisturbance-IndinnsT Taking
HIND In Stealing Remedies Proposed.


WAsHISGroN, Dec. 7.-Gcn. Klitz and Ad-
jutant- General Mason Of the United States
army, before the HouscMilltary Committee to-
day. differ decidedly from Gen. Ord. Gen.
Mason said that ho believed that there was not
the slightest chance for anything In the way Of
war with Mexico. and that the cause Of border
troubles did not lio entirely upon one side OF
the river. In times gone by ranch men had no
Zen 'es upon their ranches. and many hordcrs
lawless. reckless class Of mon, were employed
They were Injured to hardship, and couli not
be persuaded to do regular work. Within the
Inst few years the ranch men have fenced In
their ranches and discharged the hcrders. This
class OF men have become desperadocs. The
Jones ana McNally companies of State troops
that have been sent to the Rio Grande have been
sent there at tho request of Texas people for
protection against these ox-hericrs. rather
than against McXicans.
Gen. Mason saws that Apachcs come down
from their r'servation and commit depredntions
on both sides Of the river. Both Mexicans and
Americans have chased these Indians home. so
that there no longer rcmnins a doubt that IN ia
observation furnishes large proportion Of the
thieves upon the Rio Grandn. H. would move
the reservation. and consolidate il with one on
the other side of the State.
Gen. Mason does not favor the plan OF increas-
lns miliihry posts upon the Rio Grande. and
WkNlnSt tnls ne gave what tho cNlninlttNp cOnsid-
cred most excellent reasons. He said that II
you Increase tue number of posts there you
VIII practically negative the oflect OF troops
already stationed there. At evory post a large
detail II necessary for the rDuline work Of It's
.9rsnnl2qti9n. and in ease Of numerous posts
divided 10y details for post work. leaving not a
large enough number for drill and maintenance
Of Of the ESPRIT de corps kept up only through dis
Mason said that his plan would be to place can
tonm,n,s or arrangements between already
nous expense OF establishing new posts. and at
the same time have all men IN camp practically
available when wantod: He would keep these
men constantly changing sending out from
Tine TO time special details from regular posts.
Ihis would be much better for the health of the
men. give larger working forco against
ti"Nes. while at the sane time the morale OF
maintained.
Gen. Mason spoke in very severe terms Of
colorcd troops IN Texas. II costs onc.third
more to maintain u regime Of coored cavalry
aani on.,nith more colored regiment of in.
lhhlry. than ihe corresponding regiments OF
Wllt' mon. lie gives as n reason Tor this that
colnrrd soldiers are destructive OF proi erty. and
mat no discipline, however rigid. can check
their carclessness. in spite Of the most stringent
rrHulniions. colored men give themselves up To-
every form ~ vice. The licentiousness OF these
uoops. kept In a forced state of idleness. ia
something horrible. They are also badly ON
rer"t. Non -'ommissio sioned ofirols play cards
drink, And smoke with prlvates. In some cases
t,he GENERALIZATION has spread to white officers
themselves. so thHt the vices of gambling. drink
ing and lrentiousness are frequently reported
against them.
Gen. Mason was asked by member Of the
committee, whether these ,onicers who were
men appointed from civil service life.
Gen. mason answered he was happy to say to
the credit Of West Point, that nearly all OF the
Gen; Kilt confirmed Gen. Mason. Both Of
them laughed AT the notion Of war with Mexico.
that II was largely the result Of efforts OF fcxas
speculators