The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1913-02-27
Mediation, Not Intervention.

Mediation, not intervention, is
the immediate duty OF the United
States government toward Mexico.
Intervention is one of the last OF the
last resorts.
Mr.. Wilson'S telegram TO the
World proves that neither the Ameri-
can ambassador nor any other for
eign diplomatist has influence with
the cut-throat factions which are
reducing Mexico to a state of an-
archy. Nevertheless, il Is still poss-
ible for MIR. Taft to use the friendly
Offices of the United States to end u
situation which otherwise may soon
become intolerable. Ambassador
Wilson'S telegram shows how seri-
Gus this situation already is.
The president could send to the
City Of Mexico n diplomatic com
mission headed, let us say, by Elihu
Root, former secretary of state.
This commission could call the lead
ers of the government and the lead
ers of the various rebellions into
conference and make them under
stand that continuation of their
present policy means the suicide Of
Mexico as an independent nation.
Such commission, we believe,
could bring these leaders to their
senses.
1t could show them that the Mon
roe doctrine places the United States
under heavy responsibilities.
1t could show them that inasmuch
as foreign intervention could not for
an instant be tolerated in country
that lies between the United States
boundary and the Panama canal,
the United States is responsible to
foreign nations for Mexico's con.
duct.
1t could show them that domestic
anarchy Is not merely a local affair
but u matter Of grave concern to
this country, which Is obliged to
protect Mexico from foreign inva-
sion.
1t could show them that while the
American people would be very re-
luctant to interfere, they have IA
right to demand that the people Of
Mexico maintain some form Of stable
government under which life and
property are reasonably safe.
1t could show them that IL the
United States should be compelled
to interfere IL would remain In Mex
leo until the American people be.
lieved that the Mexicans were fit for
self. government, and that time might
| never arrive.
Itcould show them that II by their
own conduct they bring about Ameri
can occupation, that occupation viii
he complete and Is dangerously like
ly to be permanent, whatever Tho
cost.
This not only can be shown then
but IL should be shown them. NJ
intelligent and disinterested Ameri
can wants "A war with Mexico OF
wants intervention. TOT llScili tl'
World believes that American con
quest would be greater calamity
to the United States than to Mex
leo. 1t would mean immense eX
penditures of money. Ii would giv'
us another Philippine problem OF
our southern border. Worst of all
It would divert the public mind from
all these tremendous questions o
economic and political reform Il
home. would be heritage of evi
for the next generation.
But we fear there is no doubt
either, that IL this anarchy In Mexi
co Is long continued the United
States will be forced by European
governments to take stringent mea
sures. Friendly mediation at thi
time may save thousands Of live
and spare this country another Gala
mitous problem of Imperialism
The right kind of commission coul'
restore order out of chaos and brini
the Mexican revolutionists TO thei
senses. Mr.. Taft could not termi
nate his administration by q NOR,
useful or patriotic service to civil
cation. New York World.