Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-08-02
W4R lEITH MEXICO.

Advices from Washington, taken in con-
nection with the news from the Mexican
border, appear to indicate purpose on the
part of the administration to force war
with Mexico, and by that means to add to
the popularity of the Hayes dynasty. Dis
guise 1t as we may, wars are always popular
with the people. No sooner do hostilities
commence than the latent patriotism of all
classes is aroused, and they rush impetuously
and sometimes unreasoningly to the supper
Of the government. 1t makes but little diff
ference for what purpose the war is waged;
it is bound to receive the support of the
people at large, and the party that opposes
it is bound to go to the wall. war with
Mexico at this time would be especially popu-
lar. Our citizens in Texas, through the i'm
beclity and ineficiency of the defense of
the border, have been subjected to many and
grievous wrongs. Their territory has been
raided, their property has been stolen, and
their lives endangered by the bandits from
over the border. BY prompt, effective
means, the government might have pre-
vented these outrages entirely, but it neg-
lected its duty and through its neglect these
injuries have befallen our citizens.
That the outrages furnish ample cause for
q declaration of war is not to be questioned.
No other nation on the globe would have en-
dured half as much without resentment.
But there is right and there is wrong
method of procedure under the circum-
stances. From present appearances 1t would
seem that the government had de-
termined upon the latter course. In.
stead of warning the Mexican gov
eminent that these outrages will nc
longer be tolerated demanding satisfaction
same time maintaining an effective guarc
against the preparation of the wrongs, as re-
quired by the law of nations--it has adopted
the policy of allowing incursions into Texas
so as to afford an excuse for pursuing the
marauders across the border and precipitat
ing conflict on Mexican soil. This is dis
honorable and wholly reprehensible. 1t il
unworthy of government which pretend:
to a dignifed standing among the nations O
the world. Such course will not contrib
ute to the popularity of the war or of the ad
ministration.
It is now too late to recall the past, or t.
correct the mistakes of our policy, but Their
is no need of adding to the plumbers and i'm
becility already chargeable to the administra
ton. By pursuing a straightforward, hon
orable and manly policy the wrongs tina
have been committed can be partially atone,
for, and if war comes, the government of th
United States can have just cause that vii
command the respect and support of ii
classes. But the breach between the tw
countries is not yet too great to be healed
and all differences can yet be honorably ant
satisfactorily adjusted if there is wisdom an
craftsmanship at Washington. A war wit
Mexico is at present undesirable, although
ultimately inevitable, and it is the first dut
of the government to take all honorabl
means to avert it. Ii, when these areexhaust
ed, war shall be the only means left for th
1 redress of our wrongs, the conduct Of on
officials should be firm, its measures promp
its action decisive. Then it will have n
cause to complain of lack of sup port.