Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1913-08-29
Bismarck, Friday, August 20, 1918
LEGAL TITLE IN MEXICO.

The vital principle of American
policy In relation to Mexico is the
establishment of legal title for any
government before it Is recognized by
the world. This was the spirit Of the
Lind mission, as we'll as of the pre-.
vious reputation Of Minister viii.
sons support of the Huerta rule.
1t entered into the policy of no 9th
er government before our assertion
of it. Now it is accepted by the ma
jority of the Powers, American as
well as European. This is a funda.
mental achievement. 1t lies back of
the minor details Of financial strength
and ability to protect lives and prop
erty Of foreigners. That was not per
ceived by the other,P Powers till it was
emphasized by the United States.
Huerta and his allies Of the old Di.
az government overthrow a consti.
tutional government by pure force OF
assassination, and set up a despot'
ism in the capital. Two things were
necessary to extend this over the
country by depressing rebellion and
controlling local administration. The
desp0t must have an army. TO get
and keep this he needed money.
Europe was ready to recognize him
and European bankers were ready to
take his loans. The hesitation of the
United States alone prevented. When
this country was asked to define its
position, the bigger principle of legal
title was put before the world above
the details of protection of life and
property. That has inspired all the
negotiations since.
1t has not yet been imposed upon
Mexico, but the Powers, one by one
have ranged themselves behind it, be
cause they had to join the moral posi-
ton Of the United States, when it re-
fused to adopt their immoral policy Of
support Of any murderous bandit who
promised stable government of force
to protect the property of their sub
subjects in Mexico. 1t is only a ques
ton of time now when 1t will prevail
No party in Mexico can resist the
American policy, when it has gained
the support Of the world. 1t has the
compulsion of a moral ideal.
This policy looks less to war or for
eign Intervention to restore order
than that policy urged on us by the
world Powers. All parties in Mexico
have been held to responsibility fol
protection Of foreigners while disor
der lasts. But the only sure way tc
make order permanent and govern
:nent stable is to insis. upon a lega.
title before the political and financial
support necessary to both is given
That will be brought about BY the
American policy, with only moral in
preference in domestic affairs.
The very nature of the policy ex
cludes war. That is it's advantage
over the European plan. Armed
forces might be sent into the coun
try to protect life and property, j
only that were demanded. Interven
ton on this plea would unite the coun
try into interminable resistance. Blu,
war is inconceivable to enforce only
the moral demand for a legal title fol
government. The support of thu
world makes it irresistible.
The United States will accomplish
all that the European Powers demand
ed, by making stability and police
force for permanence of order follow
the creation of a legal title for gov
eminent. This will establish a valu
able precedent for American repub
lies as well as European Powers
Minneapolis Journal.
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