Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1916-03-25
LlNcoLN's MEXICAN POLICY

For a few years past the condition
Of Mexico has been so unsettled as to
raise the question on both sides of the
Atlantic whether the time has not
come when some foreign power ought.
in the general interest of society, to
intervene, to establish a protectorate
or some other form of government in
that country and guarantee its con
tiuuance there.
You will not fail to assure the
Government of Mexico that the Presi-
dent neither has, nor can ever have.
any sympathy with such designs, in
whatever quarter they may arise o.
whatever character they may take
on
THE President never for mo-
ment doubts that the republican sys-
TEN is to pass safely through all or
deals and prove a permanent success
in our own country, and so to be rec
commended to adoption by all other
nations.
But he thinks also that the sys-
tenn everywhere has 10 make its way
painfully through difficulties and EN-.
barrassments which result from the
action of antagonistical elements
which are legacy of former times
and very different institutions.
THE President is hopeful of the Ill
innate triumph of this system over
all obstacles, as well in regard to
Mexico as in regard to every other
American state; but he feels that
those states are nevertheless Justly
entitled to a greater forbearance and
more generous sympathies from the
Government and people of the United
States than they are likely to receive
in any other quarter. *%
1.-THE President trusts that your mis-
sion, manifesting these sentiments,
will reasure the Government of Next
co of his best disposition to favor
their commerce and their internal i'm
provements.
Il find the archives here full of com
plants against the Mexican Govern
ment for violation of contracts and
spoliation and crueIties practiced
against American citizens. 1t is not
the Presidents intention to send for
ward such claims at the present mo!
ment. He willingly gdefers the per-,
Torrance of duty, which at any
time would seem ungracious, until the
incoming Administration in Mexico
shall have had time, if possible, to
cement its authority"
These are not the words of Wood
row Wilson defining the attitude of
the United States toward the Carran-
ga Government in Mexico. They are
tho words nf hpa I
ing the attitude of the United States
toward the JuareZ Government.
President Wilson's Mexican policy
is President Lincolns Mexican pol
icy.
When the Lincoln Administration
came into power, Mexico had been in
turmoil for years. The Juarez Gov
eminent had come into power but was
unable to enforce order over the coun-
try. Not only had American property
been destroyed but American lives
had been lost and a member of the
American Legation had been murder
ed
The memorandum printed above
was part of President Lincoln's in
structions to the American Minister
TO Mexico, and it defined the princi
pie that President Wilson has fol
lowed in dealing with our unfortu
nate neighbor to the south
Mexico is still making its wav
painfully through difficulties and en-.
barrassments; but the Administration
at Washington today is still guided
by the principles laid down by the
Lincoln Administration fifty-five years
ago, and no Government at Washing
ton has moral or political right to
pc guided by any other principles.-
New York World.