The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-14
IS Cen. CARRANzA
SEEKING TO CURB
RAIDINC HORDES?
Indications of Possible CO.
operation Along Border.
Chiefs Troops Fire on MeXicans
Crossing Line.

Brownsville. Aug. 14.-There were
indications today of possible cooper
alton from Carranza forces on the
Mexican side of the Rio Grande in
the cleanup of bandits which is now
being made in the Brownsville section
by rangers and United States troops.
1t was reported today that Carranza
troops sAsst night fired on Eexicans
sTvdso. weT-es trying to cross from -the
American side into Mexico near Mer-
cedes. 1t is believed the Mexicans who
tried to escape were part of the band
which crossed from Mexico near Mer-
cedes last night.
Efforts continued today to surround
these MeXicans in the brush the
American side. The task is difficult
owing to the density of under brush.
Carranza Possesses" Island.
Carranza soldiers, it was learned to-
day temporarily took possession of
Island No. 10 in the Rio Grande for
short time while Mexican raiding was
at its height few days ago.
This island is large, containing pas
turage for considerable stock.
American residents of the vicinity,
which Is near Rio Grande City. 100
miles above here. were mystified by
the actions of the Mexican soldiers.
island.
Summary Code Is Employed.
Peace officers and rangers have
adopted a summary code of handling
suspected MeXicanS. At Fort Brown.
mere the following report was turned
IN, made by peace officers to an army
patrol officer on duty at a small sta
ton north of Brownsville:
I'VE met two Mexicans They tried
to escape. We could not identify them,
so we left them there"
These MeXicans were killed.
A permit obtained from the Browns
vile city authorities for the burial of
a child's leg revealed one small trage-
T1yaC I1fn Nv n
Mexican named Pasano He resides
about twenty miles above Brownsville,
near where Private H. R. Mcclure of
the Twelfth cavalry was killed a few
days ago MCGUIRE was the first sol
der to lose his life during the raids.
Pasano s1id he had been arrested,
that MS captOTS Offered to let him go
but that he refused, believing they in
tended to shoot him and say he had
tr1ed to escape. He was taken to Jail
and later was released
killing of Mcclure.
After Pasano had returned to his
home he said he saw Il uosse coming
through his lands and called some of
his hands to help him resist what he
expected to be his arrest. He said this
posse was not looking for Pasa no.
The latter's friends. however. opened
fire. Mcclure was killed in this ftyht
and the Mexicans took to the brush.
P1SanO asserted +he only person in
Iured besides MCGUIRE was a small
Mexican boy, who was shot in the leg
so badly the limb had to be ampu-
tated- PaSano then brought the leg
here for burial, in accordance with his
own ideas of piety
Owing to the slowness of means
of travel and great distances, the
full force of soldiers and rangers
ordered out to quell raids did not all
reach their assigned places until late
yesterday or early today. AS now dis
posed, they make a striking showing
at railroad stations. At Harlingen
big cotton platform is covered with
brown army tents
Close Watch on Mexicans.
MeXicans everywhere are visible
working in the fields or mixing with
the soldiers and rangers at the sta
uons MeXicans on trains or those
VINO seem to be going any distance by
other means of travel, are closely
watched Train crews are ready TO
upcouple their engines at any time
and turn them over to the use of SOL
diers or peace officers for runs to
alarms or appeals for aid.
The entire lower Rio Grande valley
section has the appearance of martial
law, but it is a silent law. This pOpu-
latton is so sparse that strangers are
recognized and checked up immedi-
atsly usually without being asked ny
questions.
Matamoras, Mex, opposite Browns
vile, does not appear to be suffering
from food shortage or exorbitant
prices For sixteen cents, American
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