The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1913-09-05


Regrets Present Conditions.
THE present circumstances of the
republic, deeply regret to say, do not
seem to promise even the foundations
of such a peace. We have waited
many months, months full of peril and
anxiety, for the conditions there to
improve and they have not improved.
They have grown worse rather. The
territory in some sort controlled by
the provisional authorities at Mexico
City has grown smaller. not larger.
The prospect of the pacification of the
country even by arms has seemed to
grow more and more remote and its
pacification by the authorities at the
capital is evidently impossible by any
other means than force. Difficulties
more and more entangle those who
claim to constitute the legitimate gov
ernment of the republican. They have
not made good their claim in fact.
Their successes in the field have
proved only temporary. War and dis
order, devastation and confusion,
seem to threaten to become the set
tied fortune of the distracted country.
AS friends we could wait no longer
for solution which every week
seemed further away 1t was our
duty at least to volunteer our good
offices, to assist if we might in effect
ing some arrangement which would
bring relief and peace and set up
universally acknowledged political all
thority there.
Accordingly. took the liberty of
sending the Hon. John Lind, formerly
governor OF Minnesota, as my person
al spokesman and representative to
the City of Mexico with the following
instructions:
Press very earnestly upon the at
tention Of those who are now eXercis-
ing authority or welding influence in
Mexico, following consideration and
advice:
lind's Mission to Mexico.
1.-The government of the United
States does not feel at liberty any
longer to stand inactively by while it
becomes daily more and more evident
that no real progress is being made
toward the establishment of a govern.
ment at the City of Mexico which the
country will obey and respect
1.-The government of the United
States does not stand in the same case
Will tuC OluCl SlCdI SONCI hlICulS VI
the world in respect of what is hap
pening or what is likely to happen in
Mexico We offer our good offices,
not only because of our genuine de-
sire to play the part of friend, but
also because we are expected by the
powers of the world to act as Mexicos
nearest friend
Friendship Prompts U. S. Policy.
I'VE wish to act in these circum-
stances in the spirit of most earnest
and disinterested friendship. 1t is our
purpose in whatever we do or propose
in this perplexing and distressing sit
uation not only to pay the most scrup-
ulOus regard to the sovereignty and
independence of MeXico-that we take
as matter of course to which we are
bond by every obligation of right and
honor-but also to give every possible
evidence that we act in the interest
of Mexico alone and not in the inter
est of any person or body of persons
who may have personal property
claims in Mexico which they may feel
that they have the right to press. We
are seeking to counsel Mexico for her
own good and in the interest of her
own peace, and not for any other pur-
pose whatever. The government of
the United States would deem itself
discredited if it had any selfish or
ulterior purpose in transactions where
the peace, happiness and prosperity
of a whole people are involved. 1t is
acting as it's friendship for Mexico, not
as any selfish interest dictates.
Cry Out for Settlement.
The present situation in Mexico
is incompatible with the fulfillment OF
international obligations on the part
of Mexico with the civilized develop
ment of Mexico herself and with the
maintenance of tOlerable political and
economic conditions in Central Amer
ica. 1t is upon no common occasion,
therefore, that the United States Of
fers her counsel and assistance. All
America cries out for settlement
"A satisfactory settlement seems
to us to become conditioned on:
"'(A)-An immediate cessation Of
fighting throughout Mexico, a definite
armistice solemnly entered into and
scrupulously observed;
"'(B)-Security given for an early
and free election in which all will
agree to take part;
erta to bind himself not to be a can
didate for election as president of the
republic at this election; and
'D)-The agreement of all par
ties to abide by the results of the cleo
tion and cooperate in the most loyal
way in organizing and supporting the
new administration.
1.-The government Of the United
States will be glad to play any part
in this settlement or in it's carrying
out which it can play honorably and
consistently with international right.
1t pledges itself to recognize and in
every way possible and proper to as
sist the administration chosen and set
up in Mexico in the way and on the
conditions suggested.
Still Open to Suggestions.
Taking all the existing conditions
into consideration. the government OF
tie United States can conceive of no
reasons sufficient to justify those who
are now atten pting to shape the pol
icy or exercise the authority Of Mex
leo in declining the offices of friend
ship thus offered. Can Mexico give
the civilized world a satisfactory rea-
son for rejecting our good Offices? II
Mexico can suggest any better way