The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1912-12-21
ULTIMATUM TO MEXICO.


again by his vigorous action in sending
an ultimatum TO Mexico. His first
surprise was when he gave his sudden
order for the mobilization of divi-
sion of 10000 American troops upon the
Mexican border. That was a precau'
tionary step, which was probably fully
justified under the circumstances, but
this country was surprised by il never
Itheless, and was a little restive that
nothing further was done: for IL was
felt by large numbers of Americans
that the move of the troops TO the bor-
der should not have ceased at the Dor
der, but should have proceeded into
Mexico for the protection OF Americans
aud their property. On the whole,
however, the consensus OF opinion in
this country was that President Taft
did wisely and well when he refrained
from Intervention. which must have
taken the form of an invasion and
fighting campaigns.
Assurances have been given repeat
edly by the Madero government
that peace and order had been re-
stored, and that American lives and
property would be fully protected.
These assurances have been vain, 1t
appears to be impossible for Madero
to afford the protection which inter
national comfy and justice alike re-
quire. And now the patience of Pres
ident Taft is exhausted, and he sends
an imperative demand that protection
TO Americans in their lives and prop
erty must be definitely guaranteed
In sending this ultimatum, it can
never be charged that President Taft
was hasty or rash. He has shown Won
derful patience and forbearance. In
this he has been supported by the best
public opinion in America, and that
opinion is still supporting him. 1t will
support him even if he finds drastic
measures necessary in order TO protect
the interests of American citizens in
Mexico.
We Judge. however, that the Pres
ident has come to an understanding
with the Democratic leaders with re.
gard to this matter, and that there will
be no political division in American
sentiment as TO the proprety Of this
ultimatum. Patience having been ex-
hausted and the lives and property OF
Americans being in jeopardy, the
American people will rally to the sup"
port of the President in whatever
steps he may deem necessary to take
to protect Americans and their inter
ests in Mexico. There has been ample |
time to secure the approval OF Pres
ident-clect Wilson to this step, and
also the support of the Democratic
leaders in Congress.
We assume that this has been done, |
thing to do; for, since the present ad.
goes out of office in lit
tie more than two months hence, II
would be rash indeed to proceed on
the lines Of an ultimatum without an
understanding with the incoming pow
ers With that understanding, the
President will leave to his successor a
grand opportunity for spectacular,
patriotic exploitation Of American
in protecting the rights of
Americans and enforcing the interna~
tional comfy Of peace and order Tor
Americans wherever they may be.
As to territorial acquisition, there
ought not to be much difficulty about
that. The northern provinces OF Mex
leo are the hotbeds OF trouble for
Mexican administration at the capital
There is besides, urgent call for the ex-
tension southwark Of our Pacific coast
so as to include the long peninsula OF
Lower California. That peninsula has
never been Of any advantage to Mex
leo, and Mexico has never made any
use of it, especially of the splendid
harbor on Magdalena Bay. We could
make there naval fortress that would
be of commanding Importance on the
Pacific Coast, And On the theory that
the earth is for the benefit of those
who can make the best use of it, as
well rs upon the general proposition
that the United States should be REIN
bursed for injuries suffered from the
Mexican Instructions, We should be
glad TO sec the fair acquisition of that
peninsula by the United States from
Mexico
But the immediate demand that
President Taft makes upon Mexico is
not only Just IN itself, but has been de
layed so long that there can be no
possible charge of violence, aggressive
ness, or want Of due consideration for
a weak neigbbor government, in the
sending OF this ultimatum. We have
repeatedly demanded that the Madero
administration shall perform its proper
functions as a government. Repeated.
ly the answer has been that ii would
so far as il could. but was unable to
do so fully. And now the time has
come when it appears that our admin.
istratiou viii stand this shufflinc no
longer, must have real protection for
Americans instead Of mere assurance
that some time in the future such pro
lection will be afforded. On this prop.
osition there viii be little difficult
in unifying American sentiment and
American backing for President Taft.
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