Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-07-18
The Presidents Hone for Mexico

IN an authorized interview published i'm tho
New York World OH Sunday. Secretary of
the Interior Franklin *. Lane explains and
fully justiiies President Wilson's policy to-
ward Mexico on grounds that might we'll serve
as foundation and precedent for future deal
ings by this country with Mexico and all other
weaker nations
Secretary Lane outlines i'll IA few words the
attitude the President has held throughout
as "a policy of hope and hclpfulness. policy
of Mexico for the Mexicans." Then he takes
up i'll order each Of the steps that have led
10 the present status. and makes it apparent
that the President could not havc adopted a
ulHereht course III any one Of the situations
without Inconsistency and disregard for the
conntr!s traditional love of liberty and
ultimately, the welfare of Mexico
In regard TO the administrations refusal
10 recognize Huerta. of which much has been
made by its enemies. the secretary explains
hrSt that President Taft felt he could not
'ohSclehtl"nsiy grant such recognition. hui
lett the question TO Mr.. Wilson If Hucr,..
had heen recognized. continues MIR. Lane. Il
twotold injustice would have been worked:
'hrSt. to the people OF Mexico and second 10
the people OF all Central and South America
such course would have been an encourage
Wehi I" ambitious military leaders To over
throw their government hy any means III
'nelr command. and then depend on rccog-
milton by this country to fortify their position
peioFe the world. Here is surely reason
enough TO justify the ignoring Of Hucrta'S
cram without reference 10 the cold bloodcd
murders OF which he had been guilty
Replying 10 The agitators who insis, on
intervention in Mexico because OF villa, they
contend was the precedent set by our course
III Cuba. the secretary points out the wide
difference between The two cases In Cuba
this conntrys aid was bcsought by organized
reVoluiloniStS and our forces fought side nv
sac with theirs against monarchy In
terNehlion i'll Mexico. on the other hand would
mean Il conflict with people who are
struggling to find way to popular govern
ment
'hat this popular government has not yet
hcen attained. may hardly be questioned. but
as secretary Lane points out il cannon bc
created by outside force He knows we coulJ
overrun Mexico with little difficulty and
though with considerable difficulty and an
iron hand might succeed in pacifyins it, But
the civilization. the thought. the genius VIC
would impose would be ours not Mexicos:
ANA unless we remained there for generations
there would be a speedy rcvcrsion 10 former
conditions
What Mexico needs is stated by Mr.. Lane
To be this: To he allowed 10 raise her own
standards: 10 give herself a cleaning up by
herself Diaz could have done il, hui he
would not. Madero would have done it, hut
could not. iiucria could not aud would NOT
II is the part OF this country 10 help her 10
90 IT. II tn" President can protect the United
states and. AZ tho same limo. hclp Mexico 10
raise her standards and bring herself To
civilization. then. as Mr.. Lane nuts it, '.hc
most surely will receive The verdict of
mankind"