The Washington herald., 1913-08-28

way possible-not because we would
mean to slacken in the least our efforts
! to safeguard their lives and their inter-
csts but because il is physically possible
! for them TO leave the country. We should
let every one who assumes to exercise
authority in any part of Mexico know in
the most unequivocal way that We shall
Vigilantly watch the fortunes Of those
| Americans who can not get away, and
| shall hold those responsible for their suf-
! ferings and losses TO a definite reckon
| ing. That can be and will be made plain
beyond the possibility of a misunder-
, standing.
For the rest. I deem 1t my duty to
exercise the authority conferred upon me
by the law of March a, 1912. to see TO
il that neither side to the struggle now
going on in Mexico receive any assistance
from this side the border. l shall follow
the best practice of nations in the matter
of neutrality by fOTbidding the eNpOrta-
ton of arms or munitions of war of any
kind from the United States to any part
of the republic of MeXicO-a policy sug-
gested by several interesting precedents
and certainly dictated by many manifest
considerations of practical expediency.
We cannot in the circumstances be the
partisans of either party to the contest,
or constitute ourselves the virtual umpire
between them.
Attitude of Other Powers.
Il am happy to say that several OF the
great governments of the world have
given this government their generous
moral support in urging upon the pro-
visional authorities at the City of Mexico
the acceptance Of our prOffered good
offices in the spirit in which they were
made. We have not acted in this matter
under the ordinary principles of interna-
tiOnal obligation. All the world expects
us in such circumstances to act as
MeXiCo's nearest friend and intimate ad-
wiser. This is our immemorial relation
toward her. There is nowhere any seri-
Gus question that We have the moral
right in the case or that We are acting
in the interest of a fair settlement and
of good government not for the promo
ton Of some selfish interest of our own.
II further motive were necessary than
our own good will toward a sister re-
public and our own deep concern to see
peace and order prevail in Central
America, this consent of mankind to
what we are attempting. this attitude of
the great nations of the world toward
what We may attempt in dealing with
this distressed people at our doors, should
make us feel the more solemnly bound to
go to the utmost length of patience and !
1Orbearance IN thlS palntul and anxious
business. The steady pressure of moral |
force will before many days break the |
barriers of pride and prejudice down, and !
we shall triumph as Mexico's friends |
sooner than we could triumph as her |
enemies-and how much more hand |
somely, with how much higher and finer !
satisfactiOns of conscience and of |
hOnor!"
McxicO's Answer.
The reply Of Senior Gamboa, Minister /
of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, addressed
to Gov. Lind under date of August l6,
in part, follows:
Fortunately, from the first interview
I had the pleasure to have with you.
your character as confidential agent OF
your government was fully established.
inasmuch as the letter you had the kind
ness to show me. though impersonally
addressed, was signed by the President
of the United States for whom we en-
tertain the highest respect.
Duly authorized by the President of
the republic, pursuant to the unanimous
approval of the Cabinet. which was con-
vened for the purpose, have the honor