South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-12-02
OUR MEXICAN RELATIONS.


With the revival OF the Mexican
trouble 10 a high pitch. rumbling by
way Of criticism OF our attitude in
Mexican affairs. are naturally again
coming 20 the front. The critics in
the main 90 not know what they are
criticising. but they simply must have
something 10 criticise. With one
breath they presume 10 find fault with
our ever having entered Mexico. With
the next they are incensed with our
coming away. To an extent they are
right as TO the former proposition, but
as to the latter never.
II was a blunder which landed the
American forces in Vera Cruz-a
blunder by an admiral. Traditionally
the admiral was right. but the tradi-
ton survived from a time before there
were telegraphs or cables or wireless,
when adnirals were entrusted in dis
tant waters with the functions OF in
ternationaI diplomacy. Admirals In
the OLD days were accustomed 10 up
hold the dignity Of the nation by com
polling respect for the flag and BY in
sisting upon certain formal obserV-
ances like the firing OF guns in salute
OF the flag and the presentation OF
apologies when these observances
we're neglected. Thus il happened
that what an admiral regarded as an
insult TO the American flag made 1t
necessary for the president to send
the feet and six thousand men 20 Vera
Cruz and TO keep them there at large
expense for many months.
Pres't Wilson has always opposed
war or any step which would lead TO
forcibIe Intervention in Mexico. But
like the kaiser he is partly surrounded
by militarists and in the Mexican in
cident he was to a certain extent
victim OF our military cOterie. II was
nointed out to him that the morale
and prestige OF the whole navy would
be DESTROYED should he refuse to back
up the admiral who had demanded sa-
,lltes and apologies without consulting
his superiors in Washington. 30 ne
backed up the admiral and at once
found himself in the position OF max
ing war against a friendly people
without a declaration OF war and
without 3. casus belIi. With this sit
nation confronting him, his purpose
quickly hit upon, was 10 get out with
as much dignity as possible. The me-
diation by the three South American
countries was a part OF the machinery
OF this dignihed retreat. His final
victory was achieved Tuesday, Nov.
"a. when Gen. Funston evacuated
Vera Cruz and the Mexican reyoiu-
tionists were left 70 stew in their own
revolution and the Mexican people to
work out their political salvation by
revolution or otherwise as all nations
have done since nations have existed.
A new precedent is established.
OF course American concession
holders, including spectators and in
vestors in mines. railroads, oil wells
and ranches in Mexico, disapprove of
the presidents policy, and OF course
they were keenly disappointed when
he resolutely evacuated Vera Cruz.
Even the administration organ in New
York, the World. shed financial tears,
silt with the regret Of deprecated
Mexican smelter, mine and railroad
securities. 1t was unpatriotic and
poor politics from Wall streets point
Of view. Also some democrats gagged
at the practical promotion OF peace
evangelical in the withdrawal OF our
feet and troops. Hearst, too, with
his millionaire ranch, has suffered
the agonies OF a boy with green-apple
collie.
The explanation is simple on all
sides. and the presidents Mexican
policy Is easy TO understand when one
keeps in mind always this fact: That
military precedent forced Us into Vera
Cruz and that our effort TO give the
Mexicans freedom and constitutional
government need not necessarily eX-
tend TO a deliberate purpose 10 shoot
them down in order TO force democ-
racy and self-government upon them.