The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-10
LAREDO'S DEADLY RIOT.
Six Men Killed and Four Mortally Wounded.
Rioters Dispersed by United States Troops

LAREDO, Tex, April 9.-Two of the men
wounded in yesterdays political conflict died to-
day. The returns now show Ave Bota partisans
killed and ten wounded. There were FIVE funer-
ais to-day Business is practically suspended
The Belknap Rifles State troops, are expected
to arrive by special train tonight The follow
ing petition, signed by many citizens. was tele-
graphed to Governor Ireland this morning:
1--WE understand that State troops their
way here to preserve the peace. We most
earnestly protest against the State troops being
placed under the control or direction of the au-
thorities of Laredo or Webb county, and more
especially that the sheriff have no control over
them"
City Marshal Bayard gives the following state
ment as to the cause of yesterdays outbreak
1.-THE Botas imported men from Mexico and dc
feated our ticket, so they undertook to insult US
by burying our party in ef6gy. The boys would
not have it that way, and We could not restrain
them when they saw the Botas. headed by the
city and county officials, carrying Winchesters
and marching TO the plaza to bury the Huarches
Although outnumberng them four to one, the
Huarches gave the Botas good thrashlng
Bayard was a candidate fer reelection. He has
made good record as an officer, and his friends
will contest the election"
Colonel Barnard gave the following statement
Il expected the trouble. and did not wait to be
requested by either party, but marched my men
down double-quick on hearing the first shots. I
knew that Shesff Sanchez was leader of the
Bora party, and that City Marshal Bayard
was Huarche leader. Therefore there
was legal authority to protect the
peaceable men and women when the conflict
commenced. / acted wholly on my own re-
sponsibility, and in the interest of humanity
There is no statute law that authorizes my ac-
ton. Tho emergency did not admit of delay
so determined to act and get authority from
the War Department.. never two parties
better prepared than were the combatants when
they boys file in between them
necessary, l could, however, justify my action
by saying that moved against invaders from
Mexico, as | have knowledge of numbers of men
coming over from New Laredo, Mexico, carrying
arms in skiffs Thirtytwo carbines, handed
over TO me last night, are such as | never saw
anywhere except in the Mexican civil service
l shall keep detachment of troops on guard at
the postofice custom house and National Bank
until the State forces arrive"
Colonel Barnard's action is highly commended
by all parties. To-day itis admitted the battle
would have been kept up all night and hundreds
killed had not he acted promptly. The Colonel
led the forces. AS he crossed Main street, the
bullets were flying thick and fast but he turned
neither to the right nor left but marched his
men to the piazza, and, swinging his sword com
manded the combatants to retire Sheriff San
chez Immediately handed over his arms and
called OF the Botas. Lieutenant Thurston's
action during the excitement was daring in the
extreme The situation tonight is one of quiet
ness but the trouble is not over.
AT daylight yesterday morning the federal
troops withdrew from the city, no disturbance
whatever having occurred during the night By
A. M. the city had apparently assumed it,
usual business aspect and the day passed quiz
city. Since the dispersion of the rioters on
Wednesday evening by the United States troops
not an armed citizen had been seen on the
tween the two political parties, and the least
overt act would fan 1t into fame Following
is a complete list of the killed:
Estrevan Hernandez Librado Guerra Ricardo
Gonzales, Roman Rodriguez. Mexieaus, and @.
Burdette and Gregorio Sanchez, Americans
Twelve wounded men were found yesterday,
at least four OF whom are thought to be MORALLY
injured
A, Nuevo Laredo, Mex, special says: "This
city Is greatly interested In the outcome OF the
Laredo, Tex, election troubles inasmuch as it'll
understood that should the Huarche faction
come into power. they would at once take steps
to form a connection with this city by building
bridge over the Rio Grande river for wagons
and street cars. The Bota party is OPP
posed to such improvements They have been
In power several years aud have ruled the county
and city with a firm hand. Until they are
ousfed. the bridge and street cars will be things
of the future. A prominent Mexican govern
ment officer calls attention to the fact thak the
Laredo ARRAY was really more serious matter
than the recent Mexican revolution at Monterey,
which was mace much of by the United States
press"
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