The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-11-22
COlORED SOLDIERS
AND CITIZENS CLASH
Pitched Battle Ensues at Rio Granda
City, in Which Many Casualties Oc-
cur-Part!culars Are Meager,

Austin, Texas. Nov. 21-To-day Gov.
ernor Sayers was in receipt Of tel
egram from the commanding officer Of
the United States troops at San An
tonic conveying the information that
there had been a race riot at Rio
Grande City last night between the
federal troops stationed there and the
citizens of that town. About the same
time another telegram came from the
county judge at that place and they
are somewhat confusing.
The military commander at San An
tonic. General McKibbon, telegraphs
that the report he received from the
commander a Fort Ringgold. near Rio
Grande City. states that all the troops
We're in the garrison last night at
O'clock, when the citizens of that town
advanced on the fort and fired upon
the guard. The guard returned the
ire and the entire garrison was at
once called to arms. The citizens con-
tlnued their firing upon the fort, the
soldiers returned the fire, and finally
had to bring their Gatling guns into
play to disperse the attackers. The
commander states that he fears fur
ther trouble and asks for more troops.
The telegram from the county Judge
states that the negro soldiers in the
forts there deployed in a ravine on the
edge of the town and fired into town
for about an hour and half shoot
ing into number Of houses, wounding
one man and frightening the women
and children so badly that a number
OF them fled to the surrounding
ranches for safety; that the attack
was entirely unproVoked and that the
community was highly incensed and
further trouble was looked for al once.
Upon receipt of these telegrams Gov
ernor Sayers ordered Adjutant General
go tn h.. l..
left tonight for his destination. The
governor also telegraphed to Washing
ton to have a full investigation ma la
of the matter and to remove The legro
troops at once. The commando ut
San Antonio sent a special detail of
officers to the scene at once 20 inves-
tiGate. All is quiet tonight.
This afternoon Governor Sayers sent
the following telegram to the secretary
Of war at Washinston:
please direct immediate, impartial
and searching investigation into the
conduct of negro soldiers at Fort Ring
gold. Starr county, Texas, last night
Also issue orders for immediate re
moval of troops. Following telegram
Just received from the county judge of
Starr county:
Negro soldiers at Fort Ringgold de-
pfoyed iii a rarine at the south edge.oe
town at I O'Clock last night and fired
more than 1.500 shots into and over
the town. The fusillade continued at
intervals during one hour and a half.
One citizen was wounded, in his house.
Houses all over town perforated by
bullets. Women and children fled TO
ranches. Population terrorized. l fear
the people may decide to avenge them
selves for this dastardly act. Civil au-
thorties will be powerless to control.
| understand. that Lieutenant Rubot-
tom, commanding, directed this cow
ardly assault. No cause for the act.
Wire Washington and San Antonio for
searching Investigation and removal cf
troops at once.
(SisneD, JOSEPH D. SAVERS,
Governor of Texas
Governor Sayers received the follow
ing official message from the command
ing general, Mckibbon, in charge OF
Texas division. [. S. A.. from his head
quarters in San Antonio:
San Antonio. Texas, Nov 21.-To
Governor Sayers. Austin, Texas: The
following dispatch has just been re-
ceived:
Fort Ringgold. Texas.-Adjutant
general, department of Texas, San An
tonic: Every man in garrison last
night; citizens began firing on our
guard at :. Troop d and scouts placed
on guard around garrison. Enemy
opened terrific fire on guard at 7:30, on
side next to Rio Grande City, and con-
tinued for some time. Our men, obliged
to protect garrison. fired several volleys.
Finally ordered out Gatling gun and
silenced enemy's fire. None of our men
hurt no trouble, but rumor is of gath
ering in country. If true, may need
more troops. Cannot treat With citizens
who will not even respect United States
mail carriers. Shall I send man after
mail? (SigneD.
'RUBoTToM.'
Have ordered troops Of cavalry from
Fort Brown to proceed by forced
marches TO Ringgold. Am taking every
precaution to prevent further trouble
Will keep you advised. Please wire me
any information you may obtain.
.'MckIBBON
Comm Gapara1