down raiders.[1] At others the local authorities were completely out of hand and no attempt was made by the Mexicans to control them nor was a willingness evidenced to let the United States exercise effective measures to check wrongdoing. On the north side of the river the state authorities showed a disposition to act independently when the central government refused to give life and property protection from Mexican aggressions. In 1874, Governor Coke of Texas took affairs into his own hands and ordered the forces under his control to pursue cattle thieves "both on this side of the river and on the other," and when called to account by Secretary Fish, refused to modify his orders.[2] There were several invasions by Texas troops in the following year.
During this period the offenses against order were doubtless more frequent from the Mexican than from the American side. Indeed, on May 20, 1875, Secretary of State Fish made the statement that during the four years previous there had been none from the United States and challenged proof to the contrary. The statement was handed to the Mexican minister of foreign affairs, who promised to examine the evidence in his office, but made no reply.[3]
General Diaz came into power November 29, 1876. The United States refused to recognize his government,
