New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-05-09

IBf TELEGRAPH TO TIE IMbtNtI
WASHINGTON May S.-One of the most per-
picking questions with which the late Administration had
to deal was the protection Of the lives and property Of
American citizens living the Mexican border. TIE
condition OF affairs along the Rio Grandc River from
Brownsville to Laredo the frequent incursions or
Mexican banditti into Texas, and the whole
sale robbery from citizens OF the United
States OF cattle and horses were subjects with
which the Government and the people Of tine country
through constant complaint became familiar. The pecu-
liar character Of the country, covered IL near the
Rio Grandc, by dense Tickets through which narrow
pathways lead to the farming and grazing lands situated
from 80 to 100 miles from the river have rendered u
almost impossible for any military force which the
United States has been able to send there TO protect the
ranchmcn from these constant incursions. Indeed,
large section Of country covered with immense
herds Of cattle has become depopuated and the
raids by Mexican robbers have been EXTENDED to great
distances into the interior.
This system Of plumber IS not possible only bya pc
culiar condition Of affairs existing the Mexican side of
the river for the Iact that ready market
Is found in Mexico for all the cattle and horses which
captured by thieves, the business would soon
prove 50 improbable that it would naturally cease The
truth is Mexican outlaws not only tolerated and
protected by the authorities OF the Mexican border
States and that adequate efforts have been made by
the central government Of the republic to prevent these
Outrag,s, but there il organized company or
Mexican merchants whose business il 10 purchase cat
tie aud horses stolen on the side OF the river
and dispose Of them in the Mexican markets The life
the banditt raidng into Texas is very attractive to
large awess class Mexican border States aud the
business is made very profitable by the ready market
which they find for their plurder
During the last Congress an effort was made TO pass
Joint resolution authorizing the President 10 enlist for
special service the Grande larger cavalry force
than has recently been kept there and to require the
ot-p
protection border Had it not been for the excite
mcnt attending the electoral count such legislation
undoubtedly would have passed but 1t failed for want
Of time to give thorough consideration many other
equally important measures did
Since the adjournment OF Congress the condition OF
affairs the Rio Grande has repeatedly been brought to
the attention Of tine President and members of his Cab
met not only by Representatives from Texas, but also
by Cen Ord, who is in command Of the United states
troops there. The Administration has at length con.
cudrd that the has come when some decided ana
prom unced policy must be adortcd and the Mexican
Government made understand that this state of af-
fairs, which has long existed cannot be forever CON
tiaued Gen Ord, it is understood, has on more tlah
one occasion requested that he be authorized, when In
pursuit NJ thieves, 10 cross the border ana
10 punish them their soil he X able u capture
them with the booty in their possession ms lh was
adopted ny tie Texan State troop, under command OF
Capt McNcllv, WhUSc small company OF men has prom
ably done more than the United States troops during the
last year two TO protect that border. -.
TIL, subject was uy considered IN che meeting oi tae
Cabinet to-day, and it dccidcd that Secretary ENartS
shall m once communicate with tine de yGctO Mexican
Government through representative IN the Guy oil
Mexico and demand OF II that these outrdgcs cease AT
once. Tie Mexican Minister TO the United states j.
representative Of the Icrdo Government Inc theory on
which this demand VIII be based II That II the NeAlcih
G0vell,ueuti is unable to prevent the MeXicaIpFalds
il certainly - break up the traffic IA stolen
rrou.rty on Mexican soil amt a failure to un-
dr.inkc tins VIII be considered by the Government
the Uutcd states as udcatlVe Oi an huSPosl'Ion Oh
the Uart of that Government do what lies In It's power
10 prevent continuance OF these ontraSes 1t Is under
,oud mat Cabupt also directed Secretary ENars 10
INFORM our Minister to Mexico that If the Government ot
,hat Republic does not tahe such measures, AZ are Ss-
.d nrouptlv The United states Will De compelled to
nrutrct ihe Ives and property OF lis citizens in ITS own
way There l. every indication OF important cnanSc
o. policy toward Mexico. ana disposition on the part Oh
th.i characterization 10 make The Mexican Government
understand that IL observe Its international duty
or the United Government VIII take matters INTO