No. 778.
Mr. Bragg
to Mr. Bayard.
Legation of
the United States,
Mexico, March 28, 1888.
(Received April 5.)
No. 12.]Sir: I take satisfaction in forwarding copy and
translation of a circular issued on the 12th instant by the war department
here, to Mexican officers, calling their attention to some late trespasses
by their troops along the frontier, similar to the Nogales incident of 1887;
also enjoining upon them greater care and vigilance, so that like abuses may
not be repeated.
I am, etc.
[Page 1185]
[Inclosure in No.
12.—Translation.]
“Diario oficial,” March 20, 1888.
Department of War,
Department of
Special Staff.
Circular No. 105.]
It has reached the knowledge of this Department that, despite the
severity with which the law dealt with the offense committed at Nogales
last year by Colonel Arvizú, like occurrences are being repeated along
the frontier. This not only discredits the nation and results in
disparagement, but may also occasion international disputes, all the
more to be regretted since Mexico has ever been careful to respect the
rights of neighboring nations in order that they may respect hers.
Therefore, under express consent of the President of the Republic, I
recommend that you advise the respective chiefs subordinate unto you to
exercise constant vigilance to the end that the armed troops under their
orders, who are charged with the preservation of order and to give every
guarantee to the citizens of those localities and along the frontier,
shall comply strictly with their duties, and yield the most thorough
obedience to discipline. And you shall be responsible for, and avoid all
classes of disturbances—above all such as call forth this circular—and
should any transpire, you shall punish the guilty parties as military
law provides.
Liberty and Constitution.
Mexico, March 12,
1888.
Hinojosa.
