The Washington times., 1911-04-16
AND
THEN ANNEXATION
Lawmakers Believe United States Faces This Crisis
Mexican Border, and That 1t May Keep
Taft in Office.
By JOHN sNURE.

front, but the officers and men saw
little hope of getting into service. The
swift change Of front of the War De-
partment which has led to the re-en-
forcement Of the forces already on the
the circumstances.
No surprise will be felt here IL the
orders to the Sixth Cavalry are followed
any day by orders for other organiza-
tions now In Northern and Eastern
posts to proceed South.
While this Government has received
no answer from the Diaz government to
the warning of President Taft. 1t Is
expected that President Diaz Will give
notice Of his purpose to comply with
American demands. 1t Is likely that
General Madero will do likewise.
The most perilous phase of the whole
Mexican business relates to the lives of
Americans now residents of the Mexi-
can republic. In the present state of
these people are in the utmost danger.
Pointed representations have been laid
before President Taft with respect to
these people. Should there be an upris-
ting at any point and a massacre Of
Americans, II 10 not necessary to say
what would happen. A storm of feeling
would sweep over this country before
which President Taft and Congress
would be powerless.
Shows Danger to Americans.
1t is now definitely known that much
Of the correspondence in the hands of
the President and the State Department,
the Senate and House as justification
for the mobilization of troops, relates
to the danger to Americans living In
Mexico.
1t does not by any means concern
property alone.
Already, the talk about the Capitol
that was heard for a time after March
for his course, has ceased. No attack
on the President will be made; at least
none that will be serious. And II there
Is any attack 1t will be boomerang
and will rebound to the credit Of the
Administration.
One of the strange phases of the mat
ter; is the national political phase Of it.
1t Is pointed out that the Taft Admin
istration. now at low political ebb,
may be continued in office for four
years more IL there Is war with Mexico.
This is not saying that President Taft
is going to be guided by political ex-
pediency in dealing with Mexico. But
as a matter OF fact no Administration
is likely to be turned out of office in
the midst of war with a foreign power.
Congress Much Concerned.
In Senate and House and among high
officials here, there is a feeling of the
utmost concern over the Mexican sit
uation. No question is raised that the
federal government, the Diaz regime, is
rapidly losing its grip. The concessions
lately made seem to have accomplished
nothing. 1t is viewed here as certain
that Diaz Is going down. What will
follow nobody knows.
1t is well understood here that II
Is no light thing to be driven to In
in Mexican affairs. II
American troops once cross the bor-
der. they will not come back This is
the prevailing feeling IN Senate and
1t will probably mean in the
end annexation of Mexico. At the
least, 1t will require two or three
years for American arms to restore
order.
One Of the hard problems presented
to this Government grows out of the
action taken by Collector of Customs
OKeefe. of Douglas. in closing the
custom house at Douglas because the
Mexican custom house at Aqua Pri-
eta, just opposite. has fallen into in
hands.
Secretary Macveagh and the De-
partment of Justice are wrestling
with the question what to do about
this. Secretary MacVeagh has wired
for further information about the cir
of the closing. Meantime,
the custom house is remaining closed.
It is question whether II is the
duty of this Government to reopen
1t and treat with the insurrectos as
de facto officials. Should the insurg-
ents seize Juarez the problem would
greater Importance of Juarez as a
port.