Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-26
Members Profoundly Concern
ed Over Status of Affairs
in Republic to South.
HUMILIATION is GENERAL
OVER ATTITUDE OF U. S.
No War Spirit" in Evidence, But
Should Crisis Come Vigorous
Action Is Predicted.

There IS no exaggeration in saving that
Congress is profoundly disturbed and
concerned over the Mexican situation
Solicitude is heightened by realization OF
the difficulties attending any summary
action by way of relief
The status of affairs in Mexico is the
main topic of discussion wherever SEN
ators and representatives gather. As sig
nificant OF the seriousness is the entire
absence Of partisan comment. This is in
vivid contrast to the situation prior to
the Spanish war, when the minority in
Congress made a party issue of the ma
tional embarrassment.
Critics of the administrators policy are
found among democrats and republicans.
while the general disposition to support
the government in efforts to prevent war
is shared by all parties.
Feeling Of Humiliation General.
Profound humiliation over the attitude
in which the United States is placed in
the eyes of the world is voiced by near
ly every one who takes part in the pri-
vate discussions. Realization of the in.
ternational responsibilities of the United
States is said to account for the fact
that the Benton tragedy commands more
attention than the many outrages on
Americans.
But what is to be done about it?" is
the last word in all the talks. And no
one gives a practical answer. Whether
the administrators policy be described
as 'watchful waiting" or deadly drift
ing" no one proposes an alternative OF
action.
1t is certain that there is no war
spirit in Congress. There is deep re-
sentiment. bitter feeling Of the harshest
kind against Villa and Carranza, and
cheerful willingness to do anything which
would bring Villa to heel without pre-
cipitating war. 1t is realized that any
important overt act by the United States
would unite the Mexican factions and
bring on war.
Sorry Villa Got Arms.
Many congressman are sorry now that
Villa was supplied with arms through
the recent lifting of the embargo. They
felt at the time that they were supplying
Villa with bullets that might ultimately
find targets in American soldiers. Men
who have from the first contended that
Huerta should have been promptly recog-
nized call the lifting of the embargo as
mistake No. 3
But the prevailing disposition is not ito
bewail over these circumstaIfces-water
gone over the wheel, as they say. There
is, however. decided lack of patience
among congressman with the policy OF
treating Carranza, Villa and the ''consti-
tutionalists with such consideration.
The term "constitutionalist as applied
to Villa is held a hideous travesty by
many men in both houses. and they are
fretful over the apparent tenderness for
his feelings and his treatment as civil
lied belligerent.
The impression seems generally to pre-
vail that if there were some way for the
United States to get hold Of Mr.. Villa
without bringing about Intervention, Con-
gress would gladly assent to the plan.
The Most Exasperating Feature.
The specacle of this one man pushing
the United States to the brink of war and
humiliating this government in the eyes
of the world is the most eXasperating
feature Of the whole Mexican situation,
in the opinio" of many congressman
who express privately their views on the
subject
Villas seeming contemptuous attitude
of What are you going to do about it,
seems to find echo in the congressional
breasts of "Well, what can We do about
it?''
Still another feature of tie general feel
ing in Congress is the conviction, which
may safely be said to prevail. that il any
steps are taken they shall not be half
way ones.
The patience of Congress has been sore
iy tested, has not yet broken and is said
to be sufficient for as long a time as may
be necessary but once the crisis comes
it is predicted that Congress will demand
that whatever action is taken shall be en-
ergetic and effective.