New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
AMERICANS IN MEXICO
Their Needs and Dangers Demand
Action by the United States.

hCllOll ny tic SuAtCG NIotSo'
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In statement appearing in your Is
sue yesterday by Arthur B. Johnson, Of Mex
leo City, representing 1000 Americans in
that place, there is unusual power of convic-
ton.
The people of this country, however, have
been luled into feeling of security or in
difference as to the fate of our nationals in
Mexico--security because Of repeated assur-
ances from the State Department that mat
ters are improving and that there is full
understanding between our government and
the leaders of one or other Of the factions
in Mexico and even by concealment of the
facts; Indifference because Americans are
in Mexico admittedly to make money, which
seems to be reason enough to put them be-
yond the pale of the sympathy or protection
Of this government, and further because they
have been warned time and again to get out
Of Mexico, and have either not done so or,
having done so, have gone back again, and
are now endeavorng TO gather up the loose
ends of their business with the intention of
resuming il when matters settle back 10
normal or selling out for whatever they can
get before leaving the country for good. If
making money or trying 10 save property
from destruction is a crime, then our ma
Iionals in Mexico are indeed criminals. at
was a grievOus fault and grievously hath
Caesar answered it,"
Whatever may be our feelings as TO the
motives that prompt our people to remain in
their homes in Mexico, and to maintain their
business there If they can, however much we
may blame them for staying when warned to
leave or for returning when warned 20 stay
away, We can scarcely feel Indifferent to the
dangers of robbery, rape. murder and starva-
ton which they are facing at this moment
The fact that our government occupied the
city of Vera Cruz and then evacuated it with
out accomplishing the ostensibe purpose for
which the occupation was undertaken gave
offence to Mexico in the first place for the vio-
lation of her soil and has also caused her to
look upon us with contempt for our lack of
courage in prosecuting our contention TO
successful issue. Since the Mexican war
"gringoes" have not been overpopular with
the masses" in Mexico, and this new offence
only adds to the danger to which they are
now exposed
The Monroe Doctrine, to a certain extent
at least, tends TO prevent other governments
from interfering in behalf of their own citi-
zens in Mexico, and so both our people and
other foreigners in Mexico look for protec.
ton to the United States
Is there any good reason why II our gov
eminent is unwilling to undertake alone the
opening of the railroad between Mexico Citv
and Vera Cruz and exercising some degree of
protection to foreigners in the former city.
we might not at least do this in conjunction
with other powers whose nationals are like
wise in danger there?
Should we not, while sending millions of
money, foodstufs and other necessaries TO
the Belgians, remember our own unfortunate
citizens in danger and need in the City Of
Mexico? Il would seem that such evidence
Il our concern for our own would inspire the
MeXicans with more wholesome respect for
our government, and might deter them from
acts of violence to which our neglect and in
difference might otherwise invite them.
From my earliest recollection The Tribune
was our family newspaper, and it NAV
be on that account that my estimate
OF It's power as moulder of public
opinion is somewhat exaggerated. I can
not but think, however, that if The Tribune
should begin campaign in favor of sub
stantial aid and protection TO our own people
and to other foreigners in Mexico X would
bear fruit in giving security to those who
are unfortunate enough TO have made their
home IN that country and have no other HON,
and no other business to go to.
c. B. JUDD.
Somerville, N. j., April 8, 1915.