Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1895-11-01
CITIZENS PROTEST..
The People of Southeastern New Mex
leo Greatly Aroused Lest Fort
Stanton Be Abandoned.

Stanton BE Abandoned.
Speaking of the receipt of an order at
military department headquarters for the
abandonment of Fort Stanton, Lincoln
county, the Denver Republican says:
At the time Fort Stanton was first es-
tablished it was one of the very impor-
tant frontier posts of southern New Mex
loo. Indians were continually harassing
emigrants, and in 1856 the Mescaleros be-
came so bad that the government was
obliged to make permanent post there,
which was named Fort Stanton. Upon
the occupation of New Mexico by the
Texas troops the post was fred and
abandoned, fire consuming everything
but the walls. In 1862 volunteers reoc-
cupied 1t, putting planks and earth roofs
on the buildings and so making them at
most tenantable, but not at all desir-
able place for residence in hot climate.
In 1868 the government saw that it would
be necessary to keep troops in that vi
cinity for long time and set about re-
building the entire post, but early the
following year, before almost anything
had been done except to tear down some
of the quarters, this work was ordered
stopped and since that time no improve
ments have been made at all.
Long ago the Indians ceased to be
troublesome for the reason, as an army
officer said yesterday, shat there was no
longer anything for them to be trouble
some over" and merely because the post
was already established and troops sta
toned there, Fort Stanton has continued
on the map. 1t is 100 miles from rail
road but has postoffice and telegraph
depot. daily mail runs between the
post and the nearest railroad point,
Carthage station. Three successive COM
manders of this department and that Of
Arizona have urged the abandonment of
the post.
A GREAT SURPRISE.
While the above is in the main correct,
from historical point of view, it is not
accurate as to there being no further need
of maintaining a post at Fort Stanton.
On the contrary, the post has always been
and is to-day an important adjunct to the
preservation of law and order in that re-
gion.
The order for its abandonment was
issued at Washington several days ago,
without the knowledge of anyone in off,
cial circles here, or any resident of the
territory, so far as the NEW MEXICAN can
learn, had been consulted, on the sub ject,
therefore much surprise was expressed
here when it became known. Indeed, lit
tie credence was given the report that
lc1 he
publication Of a dispatch yesterday on
the sub ject.
Naturally the citizens of Lincoln, Dona
Ana, Chaves and Eddy counties are much
exercised about the matter and they rely
on their friends, both in public and pri-
vate life, throughout the territory, to
come to their rescue. At the executive
Office this morning several letters came
to hand from Lincoln county setting
forth the real facts in the case and re-
questing the governor to do his utmost
to prevent the carrying out of the war de-
partment's order. Gov. Thornton is now
absent in Sierra county, but upon his re-
turn in few days he will no doubt wire
the department and ask that the order
be held up at least until the citizens of
southeastern New Mexico have opportun-
ity to be heard.
CITIZENS AROUSED.
AS indicating the views of citizens on
the subject this extract from letter re-
ceived at the governors Office to-day
from prominent citizen down that way
is given:
"People in all this section, in Eddy,
Chavea, Lincoln and eastern Dona Ana
counties, are greatly exercised over the
reported abandonment by the war depart
ment of Fort Stanton, as they we'll know
that the civil authorities could not pre-
serve order. This whole section would
be over.run BY outlaws from Texas and
Mexico ware this order carried into effect,
and the rough element would create dis
turbances among the Indians on the
reservation and be a constant source of
annoyance.
"Petitions from these counties will be
sent direct to the war department, and We
ask you to do your utmost to prevent the
abandonment Of the post"
Another letter, from Hon. James j.
Dolan, says word has reached Lincoln
that the delivery of post supplies had
been stopped and that the citizens we're
very fearful that the post would be
abandoned.
"Should such thing happen" CON-
tinues the letter, 1--WE would have 500 In
dams to contend with, and it would be
but short time before this region would
be over-run with lawless characters. Our
civil authorities would be almost helpless
to render relief to settlers and protect
property,