the statement of the Captain, while it took about a day to make the nine miles in pursuit, it took about half an hour to make the same distance on the retreat. THE MONROE DOCTRINE, 1823: (From an official communication directed to the Emperor of Russia by James Monroe, President of the United States of America.) At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the Minister of the United States at St. Petersburgh, to arrange, by amicable negotiation, the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent. A similar proposal had been made by his Imperial Majesty to the government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to. The government of the United States has been desirous, by this friendly proceeding, of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor, and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his government. In the discussions to which this interest has given rise, and in the arrangements by which they may terminate, the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. It was stated at the commencement of the last session, that a great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal, to improve the condition of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked, that the result has been, so far, very different from what was then anticipated. Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much intercourse, and from which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and interested spectators. The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly, in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow-men on that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded, or seriously menaced, that we resent injuries, or make preparations for our defence. With the movements in this hemisphere, we are, of necessity, more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different, in this respect, from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective governments. And to the defence of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor, and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers, to declare, that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere, as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power, we have not interfered, and shall not interfere. But with the governments who have declared their independence, and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration, and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them or controlling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any European power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States. In the war between those new governments and Spain, we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall CAPT. RICHARD KING was born July 10, 1825, in Orange County, New York, and died April 14, 1885 at the Menger Hotel, San Antonio, Texas. After serving in the steamboat service in various capacities, having begun as a cabin boy, and after having participated in the Seminole War in Florida on one of the U. S. vessels, he came to the mouth of the Rio Grande in June, 1846, and took command of the Colonel Cross. He was associated with Capt. Kenedy until 1868 when he moved to the ranch, Santa Gertrudis, Nueces County, Texas. His widow and children have maintained the ranch since and it is one of the largest in the world. On December 10, 1854, Capt. King was married to Henrietta Chamberlain, daughter of Rev. Hiram Chamberlain, a Presbyterian Minister who organized Protestant Mission work in Mexico. Upon his death there survived him, his wife and three daughters, of whom Alice, married Robert J. Kleberg, who ever since has remained at the head of the King estate, which consists of about 1,000,000 acres, about 100,000 graded cattle, and many horses and mule stock. Richard King, a son of Richard King, Sr., is a ranchman and stock raiser near. Santa Gertrudis. occur, which, in the judgment of the competent authorities of this government, shall make a corresponding change, on the part of the United States, indispensable to their security. MILITARY MOVEMENTS ALONG LOWER RIO GRANDE Valley: After February, 1913, when the Texas State Militia was first sent to the Lower Valley, and at which time Capt. Kirby Walker and Capt. Robert C. Foy arrived with companies of the 14th and 3rd Cavalry, the entire Valley at no time has been without army protection. In the early part of 1914 Major Sedgewick Rice of the 3rd Cavalry commanded. Col. Guy Carleton relieved him. Then Col. A. P. Blocksom arrived and took charge about August, 1914. Colonel Blocksom was in command of the Valley forces during the worst days and was compelled to face trying problems during the bandit raids. Upon the arrival of the 26th Infantry, Colonel Blocksom's command was reduced to Fort Brown, while Colonel Bullard took charge of all west of Harlingen. The 28th, with Colonel Plummer commanding, took charge of the territory west of Mercedes. The Coast Artillery, 91st, 128th, 164th, and 171st under command of Major Kephart, arrived during May, 1914, and remained until January, 1915. The Dallas Field Artillery, Capt. Fred M. Logan, arrived during May, 1914, and remained about two weeks. The 1st Texas Infantry arrived during May, 1914, and remained about two weeks. The 28th U. S. Infantry, 26th U. S. Infantry, 4th U. S. Infantry, arrived between August 1 and September 15, 1915. The 12th Cavalry arrived in the Valley on May 14, 1914, and left about a year later. The 6th U. S. Cavalry, Col. Joseph A. Gaston, arrived on August 14, 1915, and departed on April 20, 1916. The Field Artillery batteries arrived in the Valley on August 16, 1915. Dallas Field Artillery, Capt. Fred M. Logan, arrived in the Valley June 22, 1916, and immediately went to Ringgold Barracks where it now is. The 2nd and 3rd Texas Infantry arrived in the Valley on May 9, 1916, and remained at Harlingen and Donna until September 7, 1916, when they moved to Corpus Christi where they now are. First Illinois Cavalry, unmounted, arrived on July 4, 1916. Departed October 16, 1916. Aeroplanes and Aviation Corps visited the Valley during 1914 and 1915. Wireless Station erected in Fort Brown during September, 1914. Radio at Point Isabel erected in May, 1916. After the President's call for the mobilizaton of the State Militia and General Funston ordered parts to the Border, troops began to pour into the Valley. So, at this writing, November 1, 1916, at least 50,000 men are on duty between Ringgold Barracks and Brownsville. The Brownsville District was created during June, 1916, and placed under command of Gen. James Parker. Its present roster is as follows: BROWNSVILLE DISTRICT Limits from the Gulf of Mexico to Arroyo del Tigre, inclusive-272 miles. Brigadier General James A. Parker, U. S. Army, Commanding. PERSONAL STAFF Capt. Cortlandt Parker, F. A., Acting Aid-de-Camp. |