The Indianapolis journal., 1896-02-11
Both Sides of the Rio Grande River
and All Disputed Territory to he
Carefully Guarded.
TEXAS RANGERS ON DUTY
AND UNITED STATES TROOPS AND
MEXICAN RURALEs READY.
PugiIisfs, However, Are Gathering at
FL Paso and Arranging for the
"MiIIs--'.Bat- Masterson's Views.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.-Senor Romero,
the Mexican minister here, says the Maher
Fitzsimmons prize fight will not take place
fn Mexico. and significance is lent to this
declaration by the fact that the minister
was in consultation with Secretary Olney
this morning before making the statement
The lines OF the law on both sides of the Rio
Grande are drawing more and more closely
around the party of pugilists who are stand
ing on the border of the United States and
Mexico. and developments extremely un-
pleasant in their results to the sports
may occur at any moment. Senor
Romero says that the authorities
of the Mexican State of Chihuahua
are thoroughly in earnest in the determi-
nation to stop the fight, and he points out
that IL the sports get across the line into
Mexico they will be subject to immediate
arrest. In other words. IL will not be neces-
sary for the Mexican officials to wait until
an effort is made TO fight actually. but hav-
fng now satisfactory evidence that there is
a deliberate intention on the part of the
pugilists to break the law OF Mexico. the
legal officers OF the State OF Chihuahua are
now, under the Mexican practice. at liberty
90 arrest every member of the party. includ-
ing the would-be spectators. who, by their
ed offense Just as soon as they cross the
boundary line.
AS for New Mexican soil, it is certain that
the territorial officials. with the assurances
they have received from the federal govern
ment of the fullest measure of support in
their efforts. first to prevent the fight COM
ing off thereon. and second, TO secure the
punishment of all participants If IL is pulled
off. regardless of where they may seek
refuge in the United States. are now fully
able 10 meet any movement of the fighters
in Texas. also, the way seems to be closed
against the sports by the active steps taken
by Governor Culberson, who has assembled
the Texas rangers near the scene of the rem
devious. and IL is. moreover, reported here
that some surprising developments may be
looked for In that State that will discomfit
the pugilists. Whether this means that the
government will adopt the Mexican plan of
raiding the sports before they actually COM
NIT an overt act or not cannot be deter
mined at this distance but Ii Is surm.sed
that he may feel justified In taking some
such action IL he is assured of the purpose
or the party 10 violate the rigid Texas law
against prize lighting. In reference to the
current rumor that an attempt will be
made TO pull off the fight on some of the
which cannot now be accurately said TO be
In either Mexico or Texas, il Is intimated
that IL In such case the Mexican officials see
mt TO assume Jurisdiction over any such
tract for the prevention of an act In viola
fion OF the laws of both the United States
and Mexico. our government will not be
disposed to make any point against them.
Attorney-general Harmon said this MORN
ing: IF they fight in any Territory of the
United States we will follow them to the
ends or TIE earth, IL necessary, TO bring
them to justice"
Delegate Catron of New Mexico. saws the
managers of the fight will probably attempt
10 pull IL of about four miles below El Paso.
where the Rio Grsnie cuts a point OF land
on the May!can side. which Is in the State
OF CHIHUAHUA. and is stli Mexican soil. In
this case President Dlaz viii probably take
steps to compel the Governor of Chihuahua
to the river and stoD the fight. as he
would have ample authority to do under the
q