Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1930-04-06


when they approached.
Timidity on the part Of the
American government began TO
show its head when Blanco started
to dominate Matamoro5, rohhing
Americans openly. One man was
robbed of Merchandise and cash
totaling 100000 because he had
not paid a tax OF $50. Blanco. rul-
ing a territory including Matamoros
ana ReynoSa about the size of a
Texas county. ignored the American
government.
He directed his shafts OF venom
and exaction OF tribute against all
foreigners.
His forces we're estimated at
around 1900 men. and his Losses in
the few battles he had fought De-
tween $50 and 400. Federals, in the
battle of Matamoros. had lost 50
men.
Washington Silent
Gov. Colquit was equal TO the &C
casion, asking and demanding that
a portion of the Is 1000 Federal SOL
diers modified in Texas be sent to
Brownsville to relieve the tension.
Washington ignored him, and IN
disgust he ordered Texas militia 70
Brownsville. Following this act.
Federal troops were moved to the
border. at one time there being more
soldiers ia Brownsville than civil
ians.
THE Carranzistas tBlanco'S men
reinforced remained in Matamor-
os in peaceful possession until March
1918. but IN the interim sanguinary
conflicts were almost daily occur
ances throughout the republic, the
principle scene Of battle being north
ern Mexico. During the periodical
combats along the border Of Texas
and New Mexico and Arizona, more
than 20 American men and women
were struck By bullets from the
Mexican side" says Mr.. Pierce.
The American government finally
acted. and sent warships to Tam
pico and Vera Cruz under Admirals
Fletcher. Badger and Mayo. This,
however, did not relieve the situation
on the border materially.
The campaign was successful In
the interior OF Mexico, and Gen.
Huerta abdicated, and sailed away
from Mexico August is. 1914.
Carranza was recognized as pres
ident Of Mexico.
With the advent Of Carranza as
chief Of the nation, a rebel. destined
to become one Of the most cNlorful
IN Mexican history, PanchO villa,
began his work Of raiding, planning
rebellions, and tangling things UP II
general.
On March n. 1915, Gen. Jose Rod
| riguez. a Villista commander, began
an attack on Matamoros. which was
| defended by Gen. Emeliano Nafar-
rate and Col. Procopio Elizondo.
Wounded 10 Brownsville
Trenches had been dug by Federal
troops, and the Villistas charged
them. Drawing machine gun fire
which killed $50 men. Many more
than this were seriously wounded.
and 232 were brought 70 Browns
vile and cared for until they were
able TO travel again. They were
then taken to Laredo and turned
over to the Villa forces in northern
Mexico.
During the battle not more than
IL were killed and 10 wounded.
Then began the daring raids on
American farms. small towns, rail-
roads and travellers.
"A band Of 20 Mexicans were seer
near Los Indios in May 1915, and
drove off a large number of cattle
Thirty deputies and officers Joined
in q chase but were unable TO ap-
prehend the bandits.
Bernard Boley, a young American
was killed July II, near the north
line Of the county.
Nils Peterson, July IL, was forced
by a band OF III armed Mexicans
to open his store south Of Lyforo
and furnish them with provisions
Lorenzo and Gorgonio Manriquel
were killed July % by deputy sher-
ifs at Mercedes headgates and ir