Stasis in Texas

FORT DAVIS, Texas: Negotiations with the Republic of Texas faction have broken down on the verge of a surrender agreement. Mike Cox, spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said that Richard McLaren, the group's leader, abruptly cut off talks late Tuesday night and has been silent ever since. The group's web site, where updates on the situation and calls for reinforcements from other citizens of the Republic of Texas had been posted, was taken down Wednesday afternoon. Apparently responding to McLaren's call, seven heavily armed men carrying Republic of Texas citizenship cards were arrested Wednesday at a truck stop 70 miles from his Davis Mountain hideout. Charged with possession of marijuana, the men were also carrying five semi-automatic rifles, a shotgun, a .45-caliber pistol and several hunting knives. Local officials fear that more secessionists may be on the way.