The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1884-08-14
RIO GRANDE ROBBERS.
TEXAS AND MEXICAN OFFICERS.
They Join in "a Raid and Capture a Band
of Murderers and Horse-Thieves-
Attack the Bands in Their
Businesses, Etc, Etc.

BROWNSVILLE, Aug. l3.-LSpeclal.l r.
The Rio Grande river, in changing its
current, has left numbers of small
islands, some belonging to the United
States and some Mexico. These islands
being surrounded by water and Gov
cred with a dense growth oftimber, pre-
sent numberless hiding places for des-
pcradocs. The authorities of both coun-
tries were unable to accomplish any
thing alone. The Mexican authorities
could not come to the United States and
vice versa. Sheriff Brito has attempted
several times 10 act in conjunction with
the Mexican authorities, but did not
succeed until last Sunday night, when he,
in company with several deputies, left
on this side Of the river and at the same
time a company of rurales left on the
other. The first raid made was at the
Carries Esparza, about fifteen miles up
the river. This island, or banco, is
cQllcd the Patricio. Having a knowledge
OF the desperadoes' hiding-place, which
they reached about daylight, Sheriff
Brlto stood guard, while the rmales
crossed over and ran them out. There
were fourteen Ofthe robbers. These were
captured and are now in
iaiI. The dense growth prevented q
larger capture. The robbers were COM
plctcly surprised and ran in all direc-
lions, showing no fight. After leaving
a guard with the prisoners, they went
mp the river to the carriclas, about
twenty-five miles, and there, as the
bauau was OH the Mexican side, the
mralc> stood guard while Sheriff Biito
beat the bfu h. As before, the robbers
a. e..
tWCU'y i'm the crowd and nine were cap
turcd. Phcy made no attemptNt fight
ing, but ran in all directions, many
leaving even their guns. Among the
last captured is Carlos Baron, who is
wanted on this side for horse stealing and
murder. lie will be eNtradited.
Another, Topia, Il noted desperate, was
hung yesterday by the rurales. lie was
one Of the principals in the Penascal
murder in this COuntya number Of years
ago. His two brothers were executed
at Corpus Christ few years since.
Chonvilla, another of the robbers,
jumped into the river with his horse,
and was drowned. His horse and sad
die We're recovered. Martin Guarra,
also belonging to the band, and who was
shot while attempting TO escape from
sheriff Brito few days since, died Sun
day from the effects of his wounds.
Victor Gallegas, who was hung by the
MeXicans a few days since, also belonged
to the band, and made a confession,
which gave the officers clue.
Since Gov. Cullar was elected there
has been an effort to put down lawless-
ness and it is earnestly hoped the good
work will continue.
Too much praise cannot be awarded
Sheriff BritO.
In the raid number of horses were
recaptured belonging TO Mr.. Stillman,
with brands blOtched, and also num-
Der of hides with the brands cut out.
These were regularly organized bands
composed of noted desperadoes and We're
wanted i'm this State.
The leaders escaped, but with the CO.
operation of the Mexican authorities
they will yet be caught.
The latest particulars from the fight
between the custom-houso guards and
tie smugglers are that while the SNUG
glnrs We're retreating and keeping up
the fire, ElcnteriO Garcia was shot
through the body and died last night.