Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-22
ABANDON FORT BROWN
AS RESULT OF RACE TROUBLES
..-- THERE. 81 @-

Isy special direction Of the President,
Fort Brown, near Brownsville, Texas il
to be abandoned as military post, and
three companies Of the 25th Infantry, a.
coiored regiment are to be transferred to
Fort Reno. Oklahoma. 1t was originally
intended to send the coIored troops to
Fort Ringgold, a partially dismantled
post on the Rio Grande river in Texas.
but that plan has been abandoned.
In accordance with orders from the
War Department, Company B Of the .6th
Infantry. white company formerly sta
toned at Fort Ringgold left the ma
neuver camp near Austin, Tex, on a spe-
cfal train yesterday for Fort Brown. It
was originally intended that this COM
pany should replace the colored garrison.
but the latest orders for the abandonment
OF the Brownsville post changes that p,an.
The colored troops at Fort Brown will
start for the Oklahoma post Immediately
on the arrival of Company B. 26th Infantry.
That company will not stay at Fort Brown
very long. It is charged with the duty of
packing up all the movable government
property. which will be shipped to other
posts when the troops will be ordered
will be temporarily abandoned and left in
charge Of caretaker. 1t is understood
quite well. however, that the temporary
abandonment Of Fort Brown will be perma-
the sentiment of the citizens of Browns
Vile.
AS has been stated In The Star, the COL
ored troops are withdrawn from Fort
of the people Of Brownsville. where the
race feeling is strong. and recently re-
suited in a conflict between the citizens
and soldiers, in which one Of the former
vryoc vn1 hat IL
vestigation, with view to the punish
ment by the military authorities of the
soldiers implicated. SO far none Of the
soldiers has been directly connected with
the trouble, but efforts are being made
to discover the participants. The Presi-
dent has suggested that the recent
troubles at Brownsville be Investigated
by Gen. Bell. chief Of staff, with view
government regarding the federal garri-
sons in Texas.
Colored troops have been frequently sta
toned in that state In the past. and this is
the first time their presence has resulted
in trouble.
1t is said at the War Department that
the President has acted consistently In the
Brownsville affair. In abandoning the
military post because of the local obtec-
ton to cOlOred troops, 1t was stated, he
followed the precedent set by him in the
case Of Meridian. Miss, where he discOn-
tinued the post Office because the residents
wouldn't accept the services Of a colored
postmaster.
1t is freely predicted that the Texas con-
gressional delegation will make a vigorous
fight for the restoration Of the military post
at Brownsville, for the reason that its aban-
donment means great financial loss to the
business community. of which it was the
main source of revenue.
The acting secretary of war today re-
ceived the following telegram from Inspec-
tor Gen. Blocksom of the army, who Is
investigating the trouble at Brownsville:
1.-THE committee to investigate trouble be-
gan meetings this afternoon at post head
quarters. and Is given every facility pos
sible. Capt. Kelly, q prominent citizen;
district: Judge Bartlett. county judge
Cameron county. and Judge WEIGH, TWEEN
tieth judicial district, form the committee
Four in ALL"