dc.description.abstract | The Texas Rangers have long existed as one of the most storied law enforcement agencies in the world. Since their founding in 1823 as an irregular corps to range and guard the Texas frontier, they have functioned against Indians, Mexican bandits, and lawbreakers varying from horseback gangs of outlaws and rustlers to automobile-riding bank robbers and killers. For years they have built a reputation for "getting their man." The 1919-1935 era was one of the most significant in Ranger history. During those years the Rangers made the transition from a frontier organization to a modern law enforcement agency. Reorganized in 1919 in the wake of legislative and public reaction following the Canales Investigation into alleged Ranger misconduct and brutality, they operated until 1935 as the major crime-combating arm of the state. Unlike past performances, they functioned throughout Texas rather than concentrating solely in the border regions. While continuing their vigilance over the Rio Grande country, they reacted to labor strikes, oil boom violence, prohibition violations, and a general increase in crime that characterized the 1920's and 1930's. overcoming such handicaps as political entanglements, lack of equipment, inadequate manpower, and low legislative appropriations, they compiled a brilliant record. Whether "campaigning" against bootleggers, gamblers, killers, or bank robbers, they confirmed their reputation for efficiency. In prohibition enforcement and in the regulation of Texas boom towns they were particularly outstanding. In fact, such Rangers as Frank Hamer, Will Wright, Tom Hickman, and M. T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas became nationally famous for their exploits. In 1932, however, the Rangers committed an error which proved their undoing. Openly engaging in politics, they backed incumbent Governor Ross Sterling for reelection. They soon paid for this miscalculation when the victorious Miriam Ferguson subsequently dismissed the entire force in favor of her political cronies, thereby ushering in two years of inactivity. But in 1935 the Rangers entered a new era. Transferred from the control of the adjutant general and removed from gubernatorial patronage, they were incorporated into the new Texas Department of Public Safety. Coordinated with other divisions as an integral part of this new state law enforcement agency, they retained old traditions, yet became a modern force. In this study several sources proved invaluable. The Adjutant Generals' Papers in the Texas State Archives and the Ranger Records in the Texas Department of Public Safety provided a day-by-day account of Ranger activities. Contemporary newspapers and personal Ranger interviews were very helpful. | |