New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-26
AN APACHE FREE LANCE.

AS an instance of natural depravity the Apache
chief Geronimo has arrived at tho proud pre-emi-
| hence of a horrible example. In the spring bis
thoughts lightly turn to rapne and bl0odshed' anu
the telegraph informs us that he has broken away
from the San Carlos reservation with fifty Chlrlca-
huas and is heading for his old haunts in the Sierra
Madre As usual, cavalry arc in hot pursuit, the
soldiers in New-SIexicO and Arizoaa are ON the
alert and troops are scouting in the valley of the
ella for the protection of settlers Besides such
cross-cOunry riding as this the chase of the anise-
seed bag seems stale and fiat. There is no chance
of interference by landowners, because any who
cross the path OF Geronimo and his braves will be
promptly sileGced.
It's strange life that this wild Ishmaete has
led for the last fifteen years. He was war chlet
of the Chirc Ihuas before the death Of their ruler
the famous Cachise When General Howard left
the tribe on separate reservation in southeastern
Arizona. Geronimo was foremost In their Mexican
fo-ays and only the influence of Cachise, and later
of the chiefs two sons, KEPT this freebooter from
raids on American soil. Some nine years ago when
il was decided to remove the Chrcahuas to the
general reservation around san Carlos Geronimo
actively aided III stirring Up the iercer braves who
fed to the Sierra Madre, and woro known and
feared az the Southern ChIricahuas. Presently
the little Tuarosa Agency IN southwestern New
Mexico became a rallying point for the renegade
Apaches. TMther came Victoria. who for some
years harried the upper valley OF the Rio Graade
with fire and sword. There Geronimo rested
while plotting fresh Outrsgos. But one
morning a qulet-mannere1 Indian agent rode
mp to the agency buildings and sent word to the
Apache braves that he wished to "hOld a talk"
with them. Armed and ready for war they came,
su!lcn and threatening aud Geronimo warned the
mildly speakiDgagent to be careful lest harm should
cone to him. Then the agent played his trump
card. At signal the door, of the buildings around
the plaza swung open, aud there poured fortd
little army Of Indian police and scouts The lorcc
Apaches were cntrappei, surrounded by ready
rides. Geronimo quiycri1g with rage, felt for his
knife, but It was taken from him. Chained and
handcufcd, he and his braves were taken to San
Carlos After q short imprisonment he was given
the liberty of the reservation and escaped, soon TO
return. When the so-callel Cbcu massacre some
fosr years ago caused a serious uprsng,
Geronimo He'd 10 the Sierra Madre.
and began the bloody raids which
lasted until General Crook IN the spring Of 1888,
boldly entered the mountains aud taught the
Chircahuas that they had met Their master. Some
mon as later Geronimo aud the other chiefs kept
their wo ID by returning 90 san Carlos. General
Crook kept his word. increasing thereby his H.
huencs with the Indians. by preserving them from
execution.
Now. after nearly two years Of quletude, Ger
onImo has gone forth again. There may have been
specific causes of which We know nothing. In his
last report General Crook mentioned Geronimo as
tie oEncr Of farm and aCtutlly Interested IN
homes, work. Within the last two years most en-
c1urlgng progress has Deen made IN tho difficult
task of retaining tlr Aplches 70 life II law aud
order. There are nearly 1000 Of them around sane
Carlos, and the outbreak 81 Geronimo AL his hand
ful Of followers IS the first for nearly two years.
There Is no occasion 10 fear a neral uprising and
It Will be well 10 discount exaggerated reports
from the Son Invest aud 10 consider the source Of
the inevitable local demand for the humiliation of
all the Apaches That the work of reclamation
should meet with some interruptions is 10 be ex-
pccted, but there is no one better qualified 10 deal
with these Indians than General Crook. and fortu-
uatcly lac ~ on tho ground. Sooner or later the
Apaches must Dc gIycu land in severaity with ample
meaus for earning thrir yellhool. But Geronuo'5
share OF land will not be likely to exceed SIX feet.
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