The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-04-27
PRESS ON MEDIATION.
How Our Acceptance of South Ameri-
can Republics Offer Is REGARDED.

New York Tribunei It would be q
a farce to arbitrate the question whether
or not Huerta should fire twenty-one guns
In our honor without a written contract
with US to return the salute. That Is
the nominal issue. or was a few days
ago. But the real issue Is the establish
ment of government In Mexico with
which we and the world in general can
get on with tolerable assurance Of safety
to life and property.
An adjustment that will bring less than
this. difhcult as IL Is to attain would
leave US just where we have been for
months. waiting for something to turn
up which would save US from the ap-
palling cost of assuming the task Of set
ting Mexico's house in order by force
Of arms
New York sun; The probability
or impracticability Of the plan depends
Of course upon considerations at the
present writing unknown: upon the at
titude of Gen. Huerta. and indirectly. but
In very important degree. upon the be-
havior of the constitutionalSts- But
when any way opens out OF an apparent
impasse IL would be a crime against civili-
zation not 20 weigh its possibilities
The fact that President Wilson and
Secretary Bryan, by entertaining the pro-
posal. are compelled to modify their
previous theories on Huerta's status and
substantially TO recognize him, whatever
they may say about il. is OF no great
consequence except as regards their per-
sonal pride Of opinion. II Is the penalty
TO be paid for initial mistakes likewise
personal The country can stand IL. II
they can, for the sake Of honorable peace.
Baltimore sun; In the debates on
the Mexican resolutions in Congress two
reasons were alleged in Justification of
hostile action by this country against
Mexico or those in control there. One
was the Tampico incident: the other, the
killing OF Americans and the seizure of
their property in Mexico. The first Of
these made necessary the punishment of
Huerta- The second demanded the in
stallaton Of a reasonably stable gov
eminent in the land south Of US
Any scheme Of mediation proposed by
the representatives Of the A. B. c. Com
federation must necessarily aim to pro-
vide these things. The deaths of the
American sailors at Vera Cruz must be
avenged. An orderly government must
be established in Mexico City. II this
can be accomplished without further
bloodshed. through the mediation pro-
posed. well and good. The American
people do not want war any more than
Woodrow Wilson wants il.
New York Times; In view Of the cir
cumstances Of the case some nations
would have couri eOusly declined the Of
fer We can afford to be magnanimous,
We can AFFORD to make our own prece-
dents. and We cannot at all anord to
stand upon punctilio and let the oppor-
tunity pass.
Brazil the Argentine, and Chile are in
a fortunate position for the use of their
good Offices Coming from them we can
welcome an offer that We should less
readily accept from other sources. for
they have not recognized the government
of Huerta and. therefore. are in the same
position as ourselves. The hope and pos
sibility Of a peaceful issue are to be cor
daily embraced. That was the disposi-
ton shown by Mr. Bryan.