No. 432.
Mr. Foster
to Mr. Fish.
Mexico, May 4, 1875. (Received May 18.)
Sir: The guerrilla bands of the State of Michoacan, which have been reported in my previous dispatches on the situation of the country, are still able to maintain their existence and organization, notwithstanding the repeated reports, sent by the officers of the army engaged in their suppression, of their defeat and dispersion. In addition to these, guerrilla or robber bands, more or less formidable, are reported in the States of Morelos, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Sinaloa, and the disturbance of peace and order is at present greater than at any time during the past two years. The stage-coach from this city to Queretaro, carrying the public mails, was captured and robbed by a band of two hundred men on the 20th ultimo, and three of the passengers were taken out and shot in cold blood, one of whom was a member of the present Congress. The occurrence has caused a profound sensation in this capital, and the government is using vigorous measures to capture and punish the outlaws, but up to this date without success.
The Federal Congress is still in session, without any exciting topics or discussions, being chiefly engaged in considering the financial budget for the coming year. It has re-enacted the summary law on the punishment of highway-robbery and kidnapping for another year.
I am, &c.,