The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1914-05-01
The Mexicans.


cuss international affairs, but at the
same time everybody is interested and
we have some ideas on the subject which
concerns our relations with Mexico. In
the main we are rather inclined to the
theory that it is mistaken idea for
the United States, Democratic govern
ment, to become power in the matter
OF conquest. 1t is, to our way OF think
ing, fundamentally incompatible with
democracy, aud we believe this same
course Of reasoning led Mr. Bryan to
conceive the plans for an international
treaty OF peace-that democracy may
triumph not only on this continent but
extend to other nations OF the earth.
We admired Carmack's brilliant fight
in the Senate for the independence OF
the Philippines, and glad we are that
President Wilson has announced his
policy in unison with that plan.
There can be no mutual purpose be-
tween nation OF conquest and a de-
mocracy. These are extreme ideas alb
sulutely irreconcilable and wholly i'm
practical.
But there is more reason than the
idea OF conquest why we do not want to
annex Mexico. In the first place the
bulk OF the people in Mexico are In
dams, and 1t would be practically the
same old tribal warfare that existed for
years and years in the United States or
territories. Moreover the profit in trade
from the subjugation Of Mexico would
hardly compare to the problem Of en-
forcing law and order in Mexico and the
education and civilization OF its people.
Mexico in learning and the arts and SCI
ences has made precious little progress
since the days Of Cortez. Large num-
bers Of the people are not far removed
from barbarism. Really barbarians are
more loyal to their leaders. Many OF
the Mexicans, very many Of them, will
follow any military leader who offers
the best commissary and supplies Of
whisky and tobacco. They will go, as
opportunity offers, from the federal
leaders to the constitutionalists and day
and the next day change back again
without having their patriotism shocked,
il they ever had such thing.
And then, the scourge OF Mexico
would infect our country with all man
ner OF pollution and disease. Reports
show that epidemics Of yellow fever and
smallpox have already broken out in
Mexico. A war Of any kind, conquest
or no, would scatter disease and death
in its wake and cost our government
millions and millions in pensions.
We believe President Wilson is right.
We should try to restore order in Mex
leo, but never invade that country with
the idea OF annexation and subiugation.
1t is not in harmony with the spirit Of
our government; neither is it in accord
ance with the plans laid out by the Ad-
We do not believe like many others
that the substance ard sinews OF gov
eminent should be forever contributing
to powerful armies and navies. Would
q people ridden with the burdens OF
be much Letter in condition
than to have their opportunities limited
to home trade and local government.
How much better would be the peace
plans and compact Of nations to dis
continue for period Of years the man
uiacture OF battleships and the muni-
tons OF war. How much better the
great peace plans and reciprocity Of ma
tons promulgated by William Jennings
Bryan,