In 1882 President Chester Artur threatened to declare martial law on Arizona and New Mexico in order to assist law enforcement against so called lawless elements. The Earp Vendetta and the Ok Corral incident a few months prior are examples of the conflicts in the territory. According to the consequences of the martial law a militia of Volunteer cavalry would have been raised against the cattle rustlers , which often had been called "Cowboys" and law enforcerment officiers, who assisted them . In addition to this issue, the fact, that New Mexico and Arizona territories border Mexico could have led to cross border raids and the threat of a new Mexican War ( conflicts with Natives in Arizona had been an issue, too) . Also there had been a social conflict between people in the territory, former Confederate families and new townspeople, who emigrated from Union States. Allegedly there had been a sentiment among townspeople, that another Civil War would be necessary to pacify the South. Among the Cowboys there had been also Confederate Veterans. What if martial law had declared by Arthur ? Would Arizona had become a state in 1912 ? How would the cavalry perform? Would the loose Cowboy outlaw gangs ( Ike Clanton, Curly Bill) and ther allies be a serious issue to volunteer cavalry militia ?
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