The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1916-04-10
The Ultimate Course in Mexico.

If it turns out to be true that First Chief
Carranza has placed distinctions in the way of
sending supplies to the United States troops en-
gagged in the hunt for Villa, by refusing the use
of the railroads-railroads built with American
capital and mostly owned by Americans and
now contemplates demanding the withdrawal of
all American troops from Mexico, this govern
nent must comply with the demand and then re-
organize and increase the United States army.
Things cannot go along the frontier of the
two countries. and in Mexico itself, where Ameri-
can lives and property interests are at stake. as
they have been going on for the past three
years. 1t has come to pass that change must
take place in it all, and very soon, unless all
signs fail as to the temper of the people of the
United States.
1t has been shown what few American
soldiers do in the way Of breaking up and
dispensing the brigsnd army of the bandit Villa
which the armies of the First Chief were unable
TO do. If they had been properly and intelli-
gently co-operated with by the First Chief it is
more than probable the desperate Villa himself
would not be at liberty at the present mo-
ment to plague either Mexicans or Americans
This not done and Villa has been able to
escape through the action or nonaction of Car
rama, circumstance which the first chief may
regret later on.
Under all the circumstances it would seem
best to comply with the Carranza demand to
withdraw the troops, should it come and grimly
make for preparedness. For he who runs may
read and understand that in order to have peace
with Mexico hereafter we must have war; or at
least show of war in force. Matters have
been allowed to drift and shape themselves in
such manner between the two countries for
more than four years, with contempt and hatred
growing between "gringoes" and "greasers" along
the frontier and elsewhere, that the only way
out of the trouble is to get ready And then
when the first chief resists, he doubtless will,
another punitive expedition against another band
of raiders American territory, it will be in
order for the general commanding United States
troops on the border to cross into Mexico for the
third time. and with an army of 100000 men to
make peace there as did Gems. Scott and Taylor
sixty odd years ago.
1t might not be necessary to subjugate the
whole country across the Rio Grande, although
it would be better perhaps, for Mexicans as well
as Americans to extend the march to Mexico
City and establish provisional government Of
sufficient strength there to hold till complete
pacihcaton and order could be established and
the election of legal congress and legal Presi-
dent capable of maintaining a staple government
could be held
There are still left in Mexico number of
men OF character-not politicans-who have the
interest of their country at heart and who would
be able to establish legitimate government If
protected while doing it from the curse of selfish
professional politicians who have been running
the country the past four years. 1t may be the
destiny or work of the United States government
to furnish the necessary protection to such a
government in Mexico; but to do it "watchful
waiting" must be flung overheard and the army
and navy OF the United States be made COM
mensurate with the power and dignity OF the
American people as a nation.