New-York tribune., 1912-03-09
[From The Tribune Bureau.I
washington, March s.


Washington, March 8.
DEMOCRATIC FoLLY.-That the Demo
crats in the Senate made monumental
blunder for which they will suffer in No
ven1ber when they entered into combina-
ton with the anti-Taft Republicans to de-
feat the peace treaties is the sober rehec-
ton of most of the Republicans. The rec
ord OF the Democrats in this Congress al
ready constitutes convincing proof Of their
incapacity, and their course yesterday,
is pointed cut, was wholly in harmony WIN
the steps they have previously taken. Be-
ginning with the Sulzer resolution, nlceiy
gauged to bring about war with Russia
that were possible, followed by caucus
mandate against maintaining the navy d.
it's present state OF efficiency, and that
followed by the abolition Of five regiments
of cavalry of the already small army the
mutilation beyond repair Of treaties genel-
ally acknowledged to be a potent force IN
preventing war was the logical step IN q
course characterized by such total disre-
gard of the welfare of the nation. And 1t
is remarked at the White House that there
have been no party or geographical INES
in the great mass Of correspondence ap-
proving the peace treaties. From people OF
all shades of political belief, from all SCI
tions OF the country, from religious orsahi-
cations Of every denomination nave peeh
received the most enthusiastic encomiums
on the great work of President Tart, WHICH
was so effectively nuiliied yesterday by the
votes of the Democrats and few lnsur-
gents. Nor is the fact that ex-President
Roosevelt disapproved the conventions like
ly to prove palliative in the eyes OF those
Democrats who are disposed to condemn
their Senators for their narrow, partisan
course The officials of the administration
decline TO say anything as to the fate OF
the mangled treaties. but 1t is probably
safe prediction that in due time the Secre-
tary Of State will advise the British and
German ambassadors OF the unwillingness
Of the Senate to consent TO the plan on
which they have all worked so assiduously
and which they had so much at heart' ana
that the entire subject will be permitted 10
remain in statu quo, at least until atter
the election. 1t is further declared that,
contrary to the apparent expectation OF
Senator Dixon, the defeat OF the treaties is
certain to work benefit rather than INJURY
to Mr. Taft. Competent observers assert
that the people generally have little sym
pathy with legislative acts designed solely
10 Put the President in hole or 10
create political capital By subjectlng 50
n eatly respected q President as Mr. tart
to disappointment, and II is contended tha'
in the case of the peace treaties the people
were too well posted as to their scope ana
merits 10 be easily deceived by the oun-
coube with which political spellbinders op-
posed TO Mr. Taft may attempt to oecloud
the issue or to disguise the real purpose
Of the cor. bina.ion in the Senate.
THE MEXICAN SITUATION.-The Mex
lean situation continues to prove source
Of anxiety 10 the administration, but there
are no important Developments, ana
as has been explained in these dispatcneS'
the augmentation of the military force
along the border by two regiments does
not indicate any material change IN the
plans OF the administration or warrant
sensational predictions of intervention. rms
fact is clearly understood by the Madero
administration, whose ambassador in Wash
.ogton has urged upon the President the
anxiety Of his government that effective
stems be taken to prevent the smuggling Of
arms and ammunition into Mexico, and
who has received with satisfaction the as
surances of MIR. Taft that everything which
could properly be done TO accomplish that
end would be done. On the other hand, 1t
has been pointed out to the ambassador
that every step which can be taken by the
United States to prevent marauding on
American soil by Mexican bandits rs actu'
ally an assistance to President Madero, be-
cause It cuts off the supplies Of those who
are defying the laws of Mexico and consu-
tutes a safeguard against outrages which
might prove the occasion of serious resent
ment in this country.
MADERO'S DIFF1CULTIES.--Tho who
have been giving serious consideration 60