The Washington herald., 1916-07-02
Going Far 10 Avoid War.

Preservation of peace between the United
States and Mexico at this juncture seems to de-
pend very largely upon Carranzas ability to
control his troops in the field Only where the
soldiers does the Situation appear threaten
ing In Washington and Mexico City the out
look is more pacific, In his addresses on Thurs
day in Philadelphia and on Friday in New York
President Wilson made plain his intention Of
going to great lengths to avoid war. Carranza
has evidently been profoundly impressed with
preparations for hostilities, effect which
could have been produced to our advantage
The statement given out in Mexico City as
an answer to the charges contained in Secretary
Lansng's note, while evidently intended to ap-
pease Mexican indignation, is noteworthy for its
lack of bombast. Were it addressed to the
United States it would have to be regarded as
insulting, but than communications
that have preceded it, and the niceties of diplo-
macy were long ago abandoned in the corre-
spondence between the two capitals.
If the statement may be taken an indca-
ton of what Carranzas actual reply to the acct
satons and demands Of Washington will be, we
may reasonably expect overtures or suggestions
that at least will permit negotiations to continue.
Carranza evidently is convinced at last that there
are circumstances under which we might be in
duced to fight; the movement of troops and the
preparations on a large scale for war have made
an impression his mind that could not have
been produced by reams of language. He is not
at all likely to send any ultimatums; rather
he may make overtures for some sort of an
agreement that will give him and not President
Wilson the shadow of the diplomatic victory.
The tone of President Wilson's address at
the New York Press Club strongly suggests an
effort to prepare the country for announce
ment that he is willing to make any reasonable
concessions to Carranza. Quite evidently he
does not regard anything done in the past by Car
rama and his soldiers-not even the Carrizal
massacre-as cause for war though he still ex-
presses determination to protect the countrys
rights and honor Since we are not to 20 to
war because of anything that has happened
already it may be assumed that, unless a new
outrage precipitatcs crisis negotiations
will simply revert to the status of the United
States troops in Mexico, and the question
whether they are to remain be withdrawn.
II is difficult not to interpret President Will
sons remarks in New York as intmating
that on those points he is prepared to
make substantial concessions to avert war. They
are to be thus interpreted in Mexico and
this is unfortunate, because such Interpretation
is bound TO counteract to some extent the effect
Of preparations for war. Were Mr.. Car
rama disposed to meet US half way before
reading what the President had to say he
will now be inclined to curtail his concessions.
Thus, advantage has been forfeited
For all that, the indications are that war is
less imminent. The chief danger appears to be
in the vicinity of Pershing's army in Mexico and
on the border. There is further danger that our
official utterances may assume so pacific a tone
the naughty First Chief will resume his clustering
and fix terms that even President Wilson, in his
far quest Of peace cannot agree to-