Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-07-24
THE DREADED APACHE.
REASONS WHY THE MEXICAN FEARS
 THE WHY SAVAGE

scene of war between the governments troops and the much dreaded Apache. Our first view of these savages was, therefore, Of double importance. Since the construction of the railway through this interesting terri tory they are to be seen in numbers by the casual passenger on the trains. Though years have elapsed since the roads construc- tion, its working is still novelty to them. Their curiosity seems still unsated, and with their friends who may be visiting them from remote quarters they view the draw bridge at Yuma, explain how it swings, how the trains are switched from one track to another, etc. During our stay here we had abundant opportunity for observation and reflection upon the operation and traits of character of the several tribes that infest these regions, and we finally came to realize that our rude impression, founded upon the works of Feni- more Cooper and others must be consider ably modified.
 OUR INDIAN POLICY.
 The deplorable inadequacy of Qur so called ''Indian policy" in dealing wiSH these sav- ages can be better comprehended from the fact that millions of dollars have been ex pended by the government since the acquisi tion of California in it's efforts to reduce the Apaches and Navajoes who occupied the inn mense highway for overland migration from the east to the west, and today possibly we are as far from success as we were some forty years ago.
 The more ignorant classes of Mexican set tiers we found were pervaded with a 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 as some terrible ogre, against whom, even with odds in their favor, it would be folly to combat
 A we'll known major of 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 a 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 a 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 them for Apaches and fled in dismay to the 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 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. Instinctively 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 go 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 if attacked. They only numbered eight men and a sergeant and were 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 heavy stones upon the door. In its overpowering terror the guard mustered its whole strength, opened the door slightly, and permitted it's savage charge to go scot free. Of course they were never seen more.
 Nor is the Mexicans 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 is biped brute, without judgment, skill, strategy or rehection-is where many err in their conception of Apache character. On the contrary, he possesses all 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 ull 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- tion and life ambition. The Apache who can perform these acts with the greatest suc- cess is the greatest man in the tribe. In fine, to be a prominent Apache is to be & promi- nent scoundrel.-Yuma Cor. San Francisco Chronicle.
 Wine from Bose Leaves.