The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-12-31
ANOTHER ENGAGEMENT.
THIS TIME THE FIRING WAS DONE
ACROSS THE RIO GRANDE.
A Body Of Revolutionists Pursued by Msxi-
can Troops Cross Into Texas, and Then
at Long Range Answer the Fire.
No NEWS from Capt, Bourke.
Special to The Statesman.

Plutarco Ornelas, the Mexican consul
here, today received dispatch from
Laredo, which states that an engage
ment at long range took place last
night between Garza's followers and
the Mexican troops at San Ignacios
ranch, on this side of the border, be-
tween Garlic and Laredo. According
to the dispatch the revolutionists were
assembled in large force on the.Texas
bank of the river, having been driven
across by the Mexican troops. Upon
reaching United States soil the insur.
gents opened steady fire at the
troops across the river, which was re-
turned. The battle continued for some
time and resulted in one of the Next
can soldiers being killed. A number
on each side are said to have been
wounded. The fact that force OF
Garza's men is in that locality is evi.
dence that the movement is spreading
rapidly, and as the smaller detach-
ments of the revolutionists seek safety
on this side of the border when close.
ly pursued by Mexican troops, the me-
cessity of better military protection of
the Texas frontier is made more APP
parent.
The military authorities here realize
that the 700 United States troops are
an insufficient force to properly guard
1000 miles of the Rio Grande border in
time of peace, not to speak of the
turbulent times that are now in
progress. There is large force of
troops at the post here, but they will
not be ordered out unless their pres
ence on the scenes of the trouble be-
comes absolutely necessary.
There has been no report or word of
any kind received from Capt. John G..
Bourke the Third cavalry at military
department headquarters here for the
past torty-eight hours. He is in COM
mand of Fort Ringgold, which Catario
Cara has threatened to capture, if it
becomes necessary for his men to Sc
cure supplies. 1t is the belief of Gen.
Stanley that the telegraph wires are
down between Fort Ringgold and
Brownsville, or else Captain Bourke
is absent in pursuit of tho revolution
lists. General Stanley stated today
that number of Garza's men have
been taken prisoners by the United
States authorities and troops during
the past few days. Eight stragglers
from Garza's forces were taken pris.
oners near Rio Grande City during
the early part of the present outbreak
and are in the guard house at Fort
Ringgold, unless forcibly released
during the past two days by theil
sympathizers.
Gen. stanley today received tele-
gram from the secretary of war order.
ing that every effort be eXerted tc
bring the border difficulty to an enc
as quickly as possible, and that the
Federal troops make as many cap
lures of the revolutionists as possible
citing upon this order Ger. Stanley
Immediately telegraphed the different
commanders along the border to Sc
cure the names of as many of the
offenders rs possible, and have war
rants at once issued for their arrest.
Indirect word concerning the move
ments of Capt. Francis H. Hardie o.
the Third cavalry was received at the
department headquarters here this
morning and relieved the anxiety as
to his safety. He is pushing hard
after a detachment of 100 CARA men
and will either have them chased
across the river into Mexico OIL
brought to o more critical situation
than that within the next forty-eight
hours.
FOUR PRISONERS TAKEN.
Special to The Statesman.
LAREDO, Tex, Dec. ga detach
ment of troops arrived in New LAREDO
with four prisoners, which were cap
tured yesterday in skirmish with
Garza's filibusters near place calico
Varzo. Que of Garza's men who wai
on picket duty was killed.
Nothing further has been heard o
Captain Hardie's command today
and it is expected by those who ar,
acquainted with this gallant officer'l
pluck and staying qualities that wher
he does show up he will bring in 10
of Garza's mon.
The explanation why these prison
ers were taken is due to the fact tina
the Mexican authorities expect to Sc
cure confession from them which
will enable them to spot the partie
who have been backing up Cara IL
his revolutionary movement.
Special to The Statesman
SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 28.-At TIN
present time it seems that the Mexi
can revolutionists, under the leader
ship of Caburio Cara, are combining
their organizing and enlistment oper
atoms to the Texas side OF. the border
where the whole population, with thu
exception of the military and fedora
authorities. are in sympathy will
them. There was considerable ex
element created at the post this af
ternoOn when Gen. David s. Stanley
commander Of the military depart
ment, ordered that troops ID and X o
the Third cavalry stationed here b.
held in readiness to go to the scene o
The trouble on a moments notice. Tn
officers and privates were busy all eve
ming arranging for transportation
They will probably leave tomorrow
morning on a special train for For
Mcintosh, from which place they vii
be distributed along the border t.
scout for the revolutionists and guart