Tombstone epitaph., 1890-05-31
THE LATE INDIAN OUTRAGE.

So much has been said and written by citizens and the press of Arizona in past years concerning Indian out rages that the subject has become tritc. But our only hope of ever ob- taining relief is by continually making our troubles known, and to continue to besiege the proper authorities for protection. Ever since 8 small band of Indians escaped from General Miles when he captured Geronimo about three years ago, the papers of Southern Arizona have, from time to time, contained accounts of their de predations as they fitted around the country, almost as elusive as the will 'o-the-wisp. For the first few months they confined their depredations to Mexican territory, but of late, em- boldened by the immunity accorded them, and the endorsements obtained from San Carlos, they have been com mitting depredations in Arizona. A few weeks since the EPITAPH in giving an account of one of their raids in the southern portion of this county, predicted that it would not be long be- fore they began killing. The predic- ton has been sadly verified by the brutal murder of a stranger who came to our county in search of health and recreation-a man who had never seen an Apache and who had never had an opportunity to trespass on the reservation or do them an njury. This murder of Hardie should open the eyes of eastern people to the na- ture of the Apache. It makes no diff ference to them who their victims are, whether friend or foe, soldier or civil ian. They kill merely for plunder and inc fun of seeing the unfortunates fall.
 In the face of the continued depre- dations by these Indians the author ities at San Carlos have insisted that no Indians were out, yet, when brought to face the last murder, and the foIcible presenting of the case by the Coroner's jury, General Miles ad mits that 9 party of Apaches have been at large for some time, and even goes so far as to name the different in dividuals comprising the band. Being aware of these facts and knowing the Apache nature, why in the name of heaven did he not take what precau- lions were in his power to prevent this last murder? It is true Arizona owes General Miles debt of gratitude for capturing Geronimo, shipping him out ol the country and using his influence to prevent his return, but in the light of MT. Hardie's death, our citizens have right to complain that, owing to his suppinness, brought on by pro- motion, he has allowed g small band of Indians to work their will during the past two years.
 The San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Express have always been friendly toward Arizona and rendered her justice, but the EPITAPH begs leave to differ with them when they say that it makes no difference where army Headquarters are-that Los An geles is as good or better than any point in Arizona. The Express says that Los Angeles is better point than Prescott. In that we agree with them. For years there have been no Indian troubles in the northern portion of the Territory, it is remote from the scene of Indian depredations and the maintenance of troops there is use less expense. But Tucson or Fort Huachuca are much better places for headquarters. Both places are in the heart of the country subject to out breaks from San Carlos, and that is the place where the commander of the department should be to direct move ments, and not six hundred miles away.