The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1913-08-30
WAR OR PEACE, WHICH?


President Wilson in a message de-
itvered in person before Congress
Wednesday laid bare to the world the
facts concerning the relations of the
United States with the Republic of
Mexico. Absolute neutrality on the
part of the United States in Mexican
troubles with warning to all Amer
leans to leave Mexico at once was the
substance of his message.
That the president is hopeful for a
solution of the problem without the
Intervention of force is indicated in
every paragraph Of his speech. In his
conclusion he emphasizes this idea in
his characteristic terse style. He said {:
III further motives were necessary
than our own good will toward a sis
ter republic and our own deep con-
Germ to see peace and order prevail in
Central America. this consent Of man
kind to what we are attempting, this
attitude of the great nations of the
world towards 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 ut
most length of patience and forbear-
ance in this painful and anxious BUSH
ness. The steady pressure of moral
force will, before many days, break
the barriers of pride and prejudice
down and we shall triumph as Mex
ico's friends sooner than we could
triumph as her enemies-and how
much more handsomely. with how
much higher and finer satisfaction OF
conscience and honor"
That as a result Of President Will
sons message the troubles in Mexico
will suddenly become more acute than
they have been for months, is hardly
to be questioned. A crisis has arisen
and solution must come soon. What
the future action of the United States
will be now depends entirely on the
treatment Americans in Mexico re-
ceive at the hands of the Huerta gov
eminent 1t is easily conceivable that
irresponsible followers of General
Huerta may take the first opportunity
to do bodily harm to innocent and
helpless Americans before they are
able to leave the country. In that
event the declaration of the president
leaves no alternative open to this
country. The United States would be
forced to use stringent measures to
bring the guilty parties to justice.
Considering the attitude taken by
the officials in Mexico up to the pres
ent and their refusal to consider the
conditions proposed by the United
States, the situation is threatening
Unless a sentiment develops in Mex
leo favorable to the efforts of the
United States to bring about a solu-
ton of Mexican troubles, Mexico II
@@1ASAy ~ cSS "OAoO SAAACS III IHe H6Xl
few months, and there is no small
likelihood that the United States ma,
be compelled to defend the rights Of
American citizens there with force.
So far as the declaration of the
president is concerned, it cannot be
criticized for being either radical o,
unwarranted. Americans in Mexico
have been harrassed for many month,
on account of the unsettled condition.
there. The conditions on which tn.
recognition Of Mexico by this countr,
were placed cannot be said to be un.
reasonable. The consent Of Genera
Huerta to bind himself not to be {
candidate at this election was asked
That demand undoubtedly was an in.
suit to the pride Of General Huerta
Yet the situation and the previou,
promises Of Huerta justify it.
The time has come when a Rigorous
policy toward Mexico must be pursued
il this nation is to maintain its dig
nifty.