The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-08-12
BOTH NATIONS DESERVE cENsURE.

All sensational matter aside, it does
seem that there should not exist that dis
elimination in Mexico against American
citizens, that is now so notorious. True
war has been carried by us into tho heart
of Mexico; true,we have compelled AMIGA
BILE terms; true, Texas has been wrested
from Mexican rule; true, guerrilla war
fare has been for years carried on along
the border line-but is all this enough to
cause such a strained relation between our
nation and Mexico, that an American citi-
zen in Mexico, perfOrce denies his flag to
curry favor and escape insult? Unques-
tionably the properly credentialed Ameri-
can citizen, backed. by influence and
money, while in Mexico is treated royalty
but it is of the common man, the laborer,
we speak; the poor man, whom the gov
eminent is the more bound to protect,
to throw protection around him. The
United States has had her war with
England, her difficulties with other
powers, and yet her citizens in those coun-
tries have the same immunities as natives
to the country born.
The secret of the cause seems to be that
Familiarity has bred contempt" The
Mexican is suspicious and unforgiving.
Defeated and Inundated in the past, his
malignant soul cherishes hatred. One
thousand miles of border territory has
furnished opportunity unlimited for re-
venge. But we would not shirk all respon-
slbility, and confess that much provoca-
tion has come from the rough border ele-
ment on this side of the river. Still, the
petty warfare has gone on disputes have
been settled among themselves and by an
instant appeal to arms; lawlessness has
been the rule, and might has settled right
| While this was the custom, states took no
notice of individual difficulties, from the
rude and untried state of the
law, almost incapable of legal
adjustment. This course unchecked
led to greater outrages. Until when au-
thority was appealed to judgment was
quick as the crime was startling. But in
this judgment, on the Mexican side of the
border, the latent revenge shot forth.
The construction of the Mexican criminal
law is peculiar, and gives license to Off
cials unknown in our country. A consta-
BILE, or even private person upon arrest
being made, can instantly upon occasion
or pretext, become an executioner, and
pleading necessity, escape upon his own
unsupported testimony. This being so
to hold province or the general govern
ment responsible for such execution of
law, becomes a delicate matter. The diff |
Guilty of the task was made use of, and be- |
hind it the Mexican government shield
themselves for countless wrongs to Amer
lean citizens.
With other nations the case was differ
emit, chance of injury or wrong was les
sened by lack of opportunity, and each
case standing alone and being promptly
dealt with, has created in Mexican minds
wholesome respect for other powers. But
America's long silence under multiplied |
occasions for protest, has begotten con-
tempt for American power. If the Gut
ting and Resures cases stood alone, par
tial explanations might now do, but these
are only an addition to long roll in the
past, and for our government now to fail
to call a halt, especially after identifying
the Cutting case with positive demand,
would not only be a weakness I'M
worthy third-class power, but would
be to furnish unquestioned license to any
and every Mexican outrage. Secretary
Bayard has taken the right stand, and we
think he will firmly maintain it, to the
vindication of the United States, and as a
lasting rebuke and warning to Mexico.