Evening star., 1913-02-11
The United States and Mexico.

Bevond preparing TO send troops into
Mexico if the occasion arises, and more
particularly having warships ready for
the purpose OF sending relief to Ameri-
cans and other foreigners who may he
bcleaguered In the City of Mexico in the
event of resumption of fighting there
and the failure of government TO give the
necessary protection. there is nothing for
. the United States to do in this present
situation. The case does not change
with the days sufficiently to affect the
responsibility of this government. already
heavy but not justifyinS active inter-
vention.
As to the contest between Madero and
Daz. the United States has no concern.
But If one or the other of these leaders,
successful in the immediate encounter,
is then beset by irresponsible forces OF
brigands, such as the Zapatistas. intent
mainly upon loot. the case may quickly
change. The chief peril would seem just
now TO lie in this direction. 1t is not so
much a question OF whether Madero or
Diaz is to rule over Mexico i'm the i'm
mediate future. but whether either of
them can maintain a government there
strong enough to ensure protection to
our own people.
1t would be extremely hazardous for the
United States to intervene in Mexico in
any case. But TO intervene without war
rant. without the development there of
an utter state of anarchy, would be ut
terry unjustifable. In his course in this
matter during the past two years Presi-
dent Taft has shown himself to be clear
N vision and sound in judgment. He has
not permitted influences that have sought
FOR Intervention for the sake OF the safe
guarding Of investments in Mexico to sway
him from what he has regarded as his
duty toward a friendly neighboring state
There has been no lack of pressure upon
him TO give the word for an invasion
OF Mexico and at times there may have
seemed to be justification for following
the admonitions OF the State Department
with military measures. But at every
stage the President has shown that he
recognizes the magnitude of the RESPONSE
bility involved. He has looked beyond
immediate conditions to the ultimate re-
suits of Intervention He has secured
from time to time guarantees that have
been in some measure kept He has
maintained unvaryingly the position of
the United States that IL expects repara-
ton for the losses suffered by American
interests in the course OF the failure of
the government at Mexico City to pre-
serve order.
In view of the seriousness of the un-
dertaking in case the United States in
-fervenes in Mexico, 1T is we'll that the
head Of this government has been SO
careful during the past two years to
avoid taking that step. A more i'm
petuous executive might have found
excuse again and again for crossing
the border. Sympathy for the suf-
ferers from Mexican misgovernment
and disorder untempered by judgment
as to the justice of the case or con-
sideration of the difficulties and dan
gers involved might have swung the
balance toward armed action leading
TO prolonged warfare. \ desire to
make political capital out of the situa-
tion might have led to activities in
evitably involving invasion. But to his
credit be it now said. President Taft
has conducted the case of the United
States with dignity and firmness. with
out sacrificing any of our rights. with
out thus far precipiiating a war which,
In the Judgment of military experts,
would call for the services of at least
100000 men for not less than three
years, and costing an enormous sum
of money and untold lives.
Such war may eventually come
Mexico may become the scene OF
anarchy and the United States may
have to cross the border and restore
order. whatever may be the cost But
TO date it has been averted. and the
American prestige has not been injured
in the avoidance.