Page:Mexico and its reconstruction.djvu/300

282 it. The local authorities refused to surrender the rest. An American force crossed the border in October in pursuit of marauding Indians, but, on the approach of Mexican troops, retired.

By this time the Ord order had been modified on assurance that Diaz recognized the gravity of the situation and would send to the border a prudent general with an adequate force. General Ord was instructed to cooperate with the Mexican general and to cross the border only in an aggravated case. The instruction did not stop the crossings. A proposal to allow reciprocal privilege met a non-committal answer from the Mexican commander. The officers had received commands not to attack the United States troops, but to "see" them cross the border. Later the objectionable Ord order was revoked to the great satisfaction of Mexico.

In the meantime Minister Foster, on April 24, 1877, recommended that recognition be given Diaz by the United States, in the belief that this might strengthen the hands of the government. On March 23, 1878, though conditions in Mexico were still unsatisfactory, the President instructed the American Minister that the Diaz government was formally recognized. Later in the year Mexico was still unable to repress raids and the United States again declared it would not stand