The new North-west., 1888-11-02

The more ignorant classes OF Mexican set
tiers we found were pervaded witt q most
abject dread and horror Of the Apache. In
earlier years, and in some instances at the
present time, children from their earliest in
fancy are brought up to regard the Apache
al some terrible ogre, against whom, even
with odds in their favor, it would be folly to
combat
A well known major Of a certain Califor-
mia volunteer cavalry, operating in Arizona
some years ago, relates an instance in point
which goes to show the terror with which
these people are stricken upon the knowledge
Of q near approach Of the dreaded Apache
The major was dispatched with two Others
to discover a frontier town and ascertain
whether it could be reached with wagons.
After ride of some length they reached the
town, but could perceive no inhabitants
about the houses on the plain. Raising their
eyes to the hill, however, they beheld the
entire population Of some 600 souls huddled
together In evident alarm. They had taken
protection of the presidio, which was held by
400 soldiers.
Another and still more striking incident
may be called here to show how completely
the Apaches have control over the Mexicans
on the frontier. At one time five Apache
prisoners-two warriors and three women
were brought into town under strong guard
of soldiers, and lodged in Jail to await their
ultimate destination. Night came on ex-
ceedingly dark and stormy, and the rain de-
scended in torrents. Peal after peal Of
thunder shook the adobean walls Of the an
cient village, and vivid flashes Of lightning
struck terror to the hearts of its inhabitants
The Mexican guards over the prison left their
posts Of duty and retired within, where they
could smoke their cigarritos and escape the
fury of the tempest. The doors were firmly
secured, and preparations made to pass the
watch as comfortably as circumstances would
permit.
PANIC STRICKEN GUARDS.
"About midnight, said the narrator, ''cer-
tain peculiar noises were heard about the
prison, and were repeated with an emphasis
that compelled attention 1nstinctively the
guard knew that these noises proceeded from
Apaches who were in quest of their incar-
cerated friends, and the fact was quickly
made apparent by the prisoners, who COM
menced chant in their native tongue loud
enough to be heard outside Here was
dilemma. The Indians were undoubtedly
watching the door with intense interest, and
none dared 60 forth in that impenetrable
gloom to face the savage foe. The force of the
enemy was unknown. The citizens could not
be relied upon for aid; no one would come
to their assistance il attacked They only
numbered eight men and a sergeant and
wero panic stricken Perceiving this state
of affairs, the Apache prisoners boldly ad-
vanced and demanded to be let out, at the
same time giving fearful yells to apprise
friends of their designs, which were seconded
by repeated strokes with Leavy stones upon
the door, In its overpowering terror the
guard mustered its whole strength, opened
the door slightly, and permitted its savage
charge to go scot free. OF course they were
never seen more.
Nor is the Mexican's dread Of the Indian
in any measure without cause. The on
slaught upon their people is simply appalling.
The Apache is brought up to regard the
Mexican as his natural enemy, and to rob
and kill such enemy is an honorable achieve
ment. His feelings are early embittered
against all the civilized race. He is taught
that the chief excellence Of man is to outwit
his fellows; that the highest honors are due
the greatest rascal
Again, the Apache of today is not the
Apache Of three quarters Of a century ago.
That he has learned nothing from experience
lis biped brute without judgment, skill,
strategy or refection-is where many err in
their conception Of Apache character. On
tho contrary, he possesses oil of these in an
eminent degree He has also adopted our inn
proved weapons, besides retaining that silent,
death dealing engine Of his ancestor, the bow
and arrow. Though seldom given credit for
it, they know what is right and proper as
well as their pale face brother. In all their
''talks" with our military officers they urge
justice and propriety, and profess to be
guided by those virtues. Nevertheless, to
rob and not be robbed, to kill and not be
killed, to take captive and not be captured,
form the sum and substance of their educa-
ton and life ambition. The Apache who
can perform these acts with the greatest sue
cess is the greatest man in the tribe. In fine,
to be prominent Apache is to. be promi
nent scoundrel-Yuma Cor. San Francisco
Chronicle