Evening star., 1913-02-10
The United States and Mexico.

- The American policy with reference to
the Mexican situation remains today pre-
'cisely what IL was two years ago when
, Madero overcame Porfrio Diaz and estab-
lished himself at the head of the govern
ment. 1t has not changed during all the
vicissitudes of the MaderO administI alton
When Diazs successor was beset by revo-
lutionists in several quarters this govern
ment maintained the position that as long
as the lives and property of Americans
were not menaced it would remain neutral
with reference to the contending forces
south of the Rio Grande. IL is true that
I'm the course of the various uprisngs the
American interests in Mexico were men,
aced more or less, and several times 1t
appeared inevitable that our forces should
cross the border and restore order. In
every instance. however, the Madero gov
eminent was able TO satisfy the United
States of it's ability to maintain itself
and to guarantee protection to aliens.
Now, it would appear that Madero's
government has at last been overthrown-
An insurgent force has suddenly risen in
the capital itself. and through the acces-
sion of considerable part of the army
has, at the latest accounts. driven the
president out of his stronghold. This re-
volt centers around Felix Diaz. nephew of
the former president. who q few months
ago headed futile revolt in Vera Cruz.
Young DiaZ had been captured. tried and
condemned to death. but his life was spar
ed as result of pleadings which Madero
found it polite to heed. 1t is believed that
DiaZ Is being used more or less as figure
head for stronger men. who for the pres
ent prefer to remain comparatively in the
background until .he custer of Madero is
fully accomplished and the time has come
for reorganization. However that may
be. the situation as affects the United
States is no different from that which ex-
listed when Porfirio Diaz was overthrown
by Madero.
The United States is definitely on record
as demanding the maintenance in Mexico
of a sufficiently stable government to
guarantee security for Americans who
have acquired interests there. It's re-
peated declarations on this score have not
wholly accomplished this result. In the
course of the two years Of turmoil large
sums have undoubtedly been lost to the
American interests in Mexico. Estimates
of this amount have been made In terms
of many millions, and doubtless American
u
the fighting. But at no time has the case
reached the acute point demanding and
warranting intervention. In this instance
the United States stands In the position Of
grave responsibility. If it should cross
the boundary into Mexico with the object
of safeguarding American interests it
would have to go on to the point OF
establishing at Mexico City some form Of
a~s-
order in all parts Of that republic. 1t is
extremely doubtful If this could be done
in the form of a wholly Mexican admin
istration. even under the protection of
American arms The sole alternative
would be the fun assumption by the
United States of sole responsibility-in
other words, the complete absorption OF
Mexico.
There is no desire in this country today
for Mexican annexation. Far more to the
liking of the American people would be
the establishment at Mexico City Of
government capable OF administering at
fairs soundly. progressively and peace
fully a Mexican state strong In all at
tributes and competent to maintain order
and TO afford all necessary guarantees to
other nations. Conditions in Mexico dur
ing the past few years certainly do not
encourage the belief that such a govern
menr is likely OF establishment soon.
Meanwhile it is the duty Of the United
States tc watch and guard, and by the
moral effect of the possibility Of fits inter-
vention TO aid as far as may be in the
establishment of a strong. humane ad-
,ninistration, giving full scope to the de-
velopment OF Mexicos wonderfully rich
resources.