Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1912-05-08
MAGDALENA BAY.

still active in efforts to secure the
incompatible Magdalena Bay as
naval base of some kind, he sounded
a note of warning that was not IN
needed by the American State De-
partment, and that was we'll under
stood both ct TOXIC and the City Of
Mexico. The United States could not
afford to have Japan in a preferred
relation to the coveted Pacific harbor,
the only purpose of which would be
to afford the Oriental power a posi-
tion of strategic advantage in any
contest with the Americans. The
United States will not permit any
form of concession of this harbor to
the country whose hold upon it could
be open to but one construction. The
United States, in fact, could not con
sent to see Magadalena harbor given
over to any foreign power. Nor could
the other republics to the south afford
to have this point of wars trategy in
the hands of any country ambitious
for conquests or acquisitions among
the Latin American group of coun-
tries. The State Department having
given out the facts of the situation
with regard to Magdalena harbor,
the government is justified in making
representations in suitable form to
both Mexico and Japan that no COM
pact, either official or under the guise
of private concession, can be al
lowed to go unchallenged.
Months prior to the Pacific Coast
speech of Secretary Metcalf of the
American Navy, In which he an.
nounced the intention of the govern
ment to send thu Atlantic fleet to the
Pacific and thence around the world,
the American pointed out the absolute
Importance to this country Of posses
sion or control of Magdalena harbor,
and urged that, in view of the un-
certain state of affairs with respect to
Japan. American ships of war upon
the Atlantic Coast be transferred to
permanent fleet be maintained there.
Thus was anticipated the action Of
the American Navy Department. It
will be recalled that the notable
voyage of the American ships COM
pletely dispelled the war cloud and
brought Japan into much more con-
ciliatory frame Of mind than that
country had previously manifested.
The excellent relations that have
existed between the two nations were
revived.
The acquisition of Magdalena Bay.
however, was not any further advanc
ed. Mexico, in fact. served notice
to this country that it would have to
withdraw the privilege enjoyed by
this country OF using the bay for its
annual maneuvers, alleging the
sensibilities of the Mexlcans aroused
over the floating of a foreign flag
upon their territory. This fact is
now used by the United States
Government in its protest against the
grant to Japan of any rights whatever
over the harbor. The absolute ceding
of any Mexican territory is prohibit
ed by the constitution of that coun-
try; but this could be gotten around
if Mexico so desired. Japan has
disavowed the acts of private in
dividuals in securing syndicate con-
cessions in Lower California.
The United States needs Madgalena
Bay in the furtherance of its Monroe
RESPONSE bilities more to day than ever
before, in view Of the early compile
tion of the Panama Canal. The trend
of events is toward its acquisition.
The substantial moral support given
the Madero Government by the United
States and the likelihood that that
government will have TO rely upon
the friendly attitude of this country
for its success in the fight now going
on with the determined rebels, adds
much probability to the belief that
our entirely modest form of recon.
pense in relation to the Southern Cali
fornia port will be gained. The
Cesslon would be made even if there
by the Mexican constitution should be
amended. From the Baltimore Ameri-
can.
lEDEIHuT MEM On 0M OTDIHE