Evening star., 1914-02-04
Raising the Embargo.

By raising the enlparso on 'He eA-
nortation Of arms and munitions of war
into Mexico from this country. Presi-
dent Wilson continues his effort to quiet
the disturbances in that country with
out involving the United States III active
Intervention He has endeavored to eff
feet a settlement of the Mexican trouble
by various means which have not
proved successful He now withdraws
the prohibition against the purchase OF
arms in this country. without dis
eliminating between the contendinG
forces in Mexico. and tries a further ex-
pertinent. the outcome of which will be
observed with anxious interest
The embargo against the expectation
OF arms into Mexico from this country
was established two years ago, in accord
auce with an act of Congress 1t was
designed to lessen the danger of a sue
cessful attack upon the Madero govern
nIent. which had then been established
year and was beset by briGand enemies
In several quarters. The embargo was
effective in reducing the opportunity of
these bandit-revoiutionists to equip their
forces for the purpose Of fighting the
government at Mexico City. Eventually
Madero was overthrown and Huerta
succeeded him as provisional president,
and he in turn has been attacked. For
nearly a year this government has en-
deavored to enforce the embargo, main
tanning at great expense a patrol along
the border across which unquestionably.
despite this precaution. munitions have
been sinusgled. Now the ban is lifted
and american arms can be obtained free
" by both sides. imported by Huerta
through his ports and by the constitu-
tionalists over the International boundary.
1t is believed that the change of Ameri-
can policy will work out to the advantage
OF the constitutionalistS. They have more
10 gain from the new opportunity to buy
In the American market, for they have
been inadequately armed and provisioned
Huerta has secured arms from European
and Japanese sources. and the opening of
the American market will probably aid
him comparatively little.
Small effort Is made to conceal the hope
OF this government that Huerta will be
orerthrown- He has been directly asked
TO retire from the provisional presidency
and he has refused to do SO. 1t is the
belief of this government that there can
be no chance for peace in Mexico while
he remains at its head, and short of
active intervention in behalf of the in
surgent forces. the United States has
done everything possible to assist them.
The raising of the embargo is thus defi-
nitely to be regarded as a move in this
direction.
II is beside the question at this time
whether the success of the constitutional
lists. by means largely. perhaps of this
new American policy, will result in peace
In Mexico. That is for the future to de-
termine. 1t may be that the exchange
Of Huerta for Carranza or for Villa, will
not settle matters. even for little while
But there is no better way to secure
tranquility south of the Rio Grande
short of active warfare In intervention.
And 1t is the hope of the country today
that this step may not be taken
For the Presidents new endeayor in
the interest of ultimate peace, therefore.
there must and doubtless will be general
support. He has committed the govern
rnent by his proclamation. and Congress
will cooperate with him. He acts in the
light of full knowledge of the Mexican
situation. gained through the close study
OF trusted agents, and is to be upheld in
his new effort TO bring about the speedy
settlement of the troubles south OF the
boundary. which are having so seriously
disturbing and iurtfuI an effect upon
American ms