The Washington herald., 1914-04-21
The United States Is Not at War.

The country may just as well keep oool-as cool
as its President and its Congress. We are not at
war with Mexico, though Washington, the very cen
ter of all activities at present is naturally more sus-
ceptibe to such an impression than the rest of the
country. We shall make no move whatever against
Huerta, or Mexico, until tomorrow, at the earliest,
and then, unless something happens to change the
situation, shall proceed to peacefully blockade
the ports of Mexico. The next step will depend on
Huerta, or perhaps on Carranza and Villa. On one
point there need be misgivings-there will be no
step backward. President Wilson has exercised ad-
mrable selfresrant and he has restrained his eoun-
trymen under the greatest proyocaton Having finally
decided on action he will be as firm as when his
policy only a waiting But, while all its
land and naval forces must be prepared for any
evenuality, the United States is not at war with
Mexico or any other nation Quite possibly there
will be no war. Certainly it was not contemplated
by President Wilson when he spoke in these words to
the Senate and House:
"This government can, earnestly hope, in no cir
cumstances be forced into with the people Of
Mexico"
"But earnestly hope that is not in
question believe that speak for the American
people when l say that do not desire to con-
troll in any degree the affairs of sister republic.
Our feeling for the people of Mexico is one of deep
and genuine friendship and everything that we have
so far done or refrained from doing has proceeded
from our desire to help them, not to hinder or en-
barrass them"
THE present situation need have of the grave
implications of interference if deal with it prompt
ly, firmly and wisely"
No war with Mexico no interference with the
people of Mexico; only such of armed forces
as may be necessary to obtain from Gen. Huerta
and his adherents the fullest recognition of the
rights and dignity of the United States amidst
the distressing conditions now unhappily obtaining
in Mexico
1t was the Presidents studied intent to make it
perfectly clear that quarrel is not with Mexico
or the Mexican people but with Gen. Victoriano
Huerta" 1t was this careful wording of his address
that led to debate and delay by Congress in giving
him the authority he asked though the outcome
never in doubt With the power conferred on him he
will be able to draw upon the entire national
sources to carry out his program.
The task he has mapped out appears far from
formidable With his ports efectually blockaded
Huerta will be easily brought to terms He may be
expected within week to salute apologize in any
manner we may demand, and we may lift the block
ade when he has been taught his lesson thoroughly.
Always we must bear in mind that Huerta may de-
clare war; in the fororn hope of uniting the warning
factions against the Americans, in which event our
troops would have long and campaign ahead,
against foemen armed with weapons and ammunition
made in the United States" But it is proftless to
speculate upon situation fraught with many and
grave possibilities at this time when it appears
mote.
Our present duty is to punish Huerta and compel
his respect, and the whole people are with the
President.