Bob learned that the cattlemen were strongly in favor of having the United States go into Mexico and stay there until things had been settled for keeps. The most outspoken of the crowd wanted the United States to conquer and then to annex Mexico, feeling that it was the only way in which peace could be assured for any length of time. The reason for their feeling was that the ranchers along the border were in constant fear of cattle rustlers, who, once they were in Mexico with their booty, were safe from pursuit. Under Diaz, who had ruled Mexico firmly, there had been no great trouble. In those days raids were few and they were quite as likely to have been made by American outlaws as by Mexicans. Besides, Diaz would, wherever it was possible, aid in the return of the stolen property. Since he had lost control things had changed. The constant revolutions that came after him left the border states without law and order. All sorts of robbery and murder were permitted to go unpunished.
Rub Bet, “Well, fellows, what’d you do with yourselves while I was away? Must have been pretty tiresome up at the Canyon, wasn’t it?” It was Mr. Whitney talking. He had told them that his trip to Washington had been a great success. They had sent for him to put him in charge of finishing up the big Rio Grande project.
◆ Messages, Voice
Rub Bet, Video
Rub Bet
Enjoy voice and video
Rub Bet “By no means. Comparatively few. Thad Holman never knew a thing about it. They were mostly dissatisfied cowboys and unsuccessful squatters who saw profit for themselves in a war with Mexico.”.
**********