Year: 1873

As there has been much speculation throughout the country regarding the recent punishment of the Kickapoo Indians in connection with the reported invasion of Mexican territory by 8 cavalry force under Colonel Mckenzie, the following semi-oficial statement, which we hear from Washington, ex- plains the attitude of the administra- tion :-

 It was determined last fall to stop the rowing bands of Indians, give them reservations and require them to be on the lands designated within 8 reason able time not later than January. The President instructed the Secretary of the Interior toinform the Superinten- dents and Indian agents located in the vicinity of the predatory bands that the Great Father is exhausted, his heart is angry and his hand will be found heavy against all who do not obey him, stop their rowing life and peacefully go on the reservations assigned them. If they do not obey him he will send his soldiers to punish them. The Modocs, Apaches, and Kickapoos were about the only bands which resolutely opposed the order of the President. The result of 

 Apaches is already known. The Kick apoos occupied foreign territory, and for their removal Congress made ample appropriation. It was intended to give them good lands in the southwestern part of the Indian Territory, and a cavalry escort was promised through Texas to prevent any revengeful attack by the Texans. All propositions for their leaving Mexican soil were rejected and the future care was assigned to the army. Anticipating a renewal of their forays into Texas, and in order that the entire frontier mi ght be under one con- mand, the Department of Texas was added to the Military Division of the Missouri under Lieutenant General Phil. Sheridan. The visit of the Secre- tary of War to Texas in March had no official significance whatever. Partly for recreation and partly for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Department was as economically managed as it should be, he accompanied General Sheridan on his inspecting tour. From the latter Colonel Mckenzie received instructions substantially to pursue and punish the Kickapoos the first time 8 decisive blow could be struck. Nothing was said regarding an invasion of Mexi-- can territory and, so far as is known, he obeyed the instructions of his supe- rior officer, without discussing the pro- priety of crossing the Rio Grande in executing them. It is not expected his official report will explain or account for any alleged violation of the territory of Mexico. The first intimation will come from the Mexican government. It will then remain for the government to make such defence of the past or future conduct of its military officers on the Texan border as the peace and pro- lection of our people in this part of the country may demand. The Kickapoos, as already stated, are included among the number which have been turned over to the army for punishment. There is no reason to doubt but what that order will be strictly obeyed, while it is equally certain no order has emanated from the President authorizing the in vasion of any part of Mexican territory by the federal forces.

 The Mexican Minister has not yet re- ceived a full official account of the particulars attending Colonel McKen- zie's operations against the Lipans and Kickapoos, and therefore is not now prepared to represent the case to our government with view to explana- tions. There is no doubt these will be placed on the ground of the duty of the government to protect it's citizens and punish all hostile invaders of our soil wherever found, the Mexican govern ment being unwilling or unable to pre- vent such incursions. It is said in military circles that the operations of Colonel Mckenzie will doubtless serve as warning to all armed bands who cross to our territory for stealing or murderous purposes.