The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-03-17

Of the Americans army.
This statement was made to the
United Press to-day by an official in
Washington whose information can
scarcely be questioned His statement
has been supported and conflrmed by
Information obtained in half a dozen
state capitals. where executive OFF,
GERS Of the national guard have been
taken into the condolences OF the war
department
President Taft is the most mis-
understood man In the country" said
the ofiicfal referred to- who himself
~ not active partisan politician and
Is not personally friendly to or
member OF the so-called administra-
ton group.
Those who have critised the pres
idents actions In this matter on the
Mexican frontier and have question
ed his motives are merely putting
themselves in a bad light" contin-
ued the speaker. 1.-The President did
not make the "ananeuver" move in
advisediy or hastily. lie knew that
ne would be, called on for explana-
ton by the incoming, congress and
ne mas what he considers ample 3usti-
ncation for his act. When the full
iaets are known even his partisan
foes VIII have to- admit the wisdom
of his move"
II was the original plan of the Pres
ident to mobilize so, 900 regular troops
on the Mexican border. This would
have been practically the entire re-
GUAR army with the exception of the
detans necessary to guard govern
ment property and garrison the Phi
ippin-e- The Presidents decision to
call out only 10000 troops WAS reach
ed on the afternoon OF the day OF
the mobilization order. and immed-
lately was followed by instructions to
National Guard officers which have
Resulted In the preparation OF plans
that viii make possible the mobiliza-
ton OF the present national guard on
the shortest possible notice
IL is pointed out that the present
move IL not defensive one, and was
not prompted by any fear OF imme-
date trouble with Japan. On the
contrary. 1t IL designed as an ofren.
sive "manoeuvre" having for It's OBJ
ject the thwarting of certain infiu-
ences now active In Mexico and which
are believed to be looking toward
japanese aggression in lower Cali
fornia- To-days developments point
clearly to the peninsula Of lower Cal
nornia as being the real center of
trouble father than the Mexican re-
public generally or the Diaz admin
lstration.
Lower California situation.
In the light Of these developments
President Taft's statement to the cor
respondents who accompanied him
south on the night OF March takes
on added significance. At this time
the President. speaking Informally
and with the understanding that he
was not 10 be quoted directly. pointed
out that the reports OF the growing
Possibility of the organization of an
Independent republic In lower Cali
fornia would through ITS irresponsi-
biiity ee constant source OF trou-
BILE To this country At that time
no public attention had been given
To the Japanese activities in lower
California, or to the diplomatic ex-
changes between Mexico and Japan
which have since become public
IL is taken for granted here that
the President has had knowledge Of
these exchanges for some time and
that matters reached their climax
upon the return 10 this country OF
the United States minister 10 Mexico.
Henry. Lane Wilson.
1t has been cffectualiy esta blished
now that there is no hostility between
this government ana the government
Diaz is concerned. II Is not believed
that the aged president OF Mexico
has been guilty OF any breach Of the
good faith which ne has always fos-
tered between his government and
the United States Ii has been init
mated, however. that Japanese money
has been spent In large quantities in
Mexico at points where it would do
the most good.
Necessary Cause for Action.
Continuation By Japan OF her ef-
forts to secure coAling station, a
naval base OF other concessions in
lower California was what the presi-
dent had in mind when he stated
that the American troops would cross
into Mexico upon the first necessary
cause for action" 1t 10 believed that
IL the present manoeuvre suffices TO
thwart the plans of the Mexican con-
spirators who have been neg rotating
with the Japanese, the present dem
ons,ration will end. II the demon-
stration does not bring this result the
prediction In freely made here thai
the American army will advance into
Mexico ostensfhiy under the guisc Of
protecting American interests and re-
storing order, and will use its Offices
TO set up government whereby the
peace and prosperity of the Emitted
states may not De InSuaSSu through
possible grants and favors to the Jap
anese government.
The first indication that an actual
invasion of Mexico has become neces-
sary win probably appear in the or
der for the mobilization or the State
militia. preparations for which are
known to be under way.
No attempt is made In official cir-
Giles to disguise the feeling OF salts
faction caused by the approval given
in England to President Taft's arbi-
tration proposition. The popularity
OF this proposal with the British pub
lie and with the British officials Is
taken here TO indicate that even the
existing offensive and defensive ALL
ance now in force between England
and Japan would not suffice to pre-
vent British public opinion from fore
ing that government to ally itself with
the United States on any issue In
which Il was necessary to choose be-
tween the United States and Japan.
Contrary to certain charges that
have been made. there Is little lingo
spirit prevalent in Washington to-
day Instead Of expressions Of fear
OF trouble with Japan, the belief 10
everywhere expressed that by making
the first move and making It prompt
IL. President Taft has nipped In the
hud---or at least Is about to do so---
what might have grown into a seri-
~.... anu - ~ tho rlAn 90 r,f tho fnrp.