The Richfield recorder., 1916-11-03
MEXICAN SITUATION.

Now, my friends, Fastening on.
want to discuss for a few moments
certain phases of the foreign affairs
the Mexican question. l do not desire
to detain you too long, but | do not
come often. / want to discuss this
and then I shall have told you as long
as / think in good conscience 1 can.
VIII you read another plank from
the Democratic platform adopted at
Baltimore: I'VE pledge ourselves
anew to preserve the sacred rights OF
American citizenship at home and
abroad" A fundamental principle of
government. 1.-The constitutional
rights of American citizens should pro-
tect them on our borders and go with
them throughout the world. and every
American citizen residing or having
property in any foreign country is
entitled to and must be given the full
protection of the United States govern
ment, both for himself and his prop
erty."
/ believe In every word, syIla-
bic, phrase and sentence of that
platform. The government of the
United States is under obligation
to protect its citizens and their
property so long as they owe al
leeience to the Republic, upon
whatever part of Gods fOOtstOOl
they may stray. (Applause.)
That is the Mexican platform. In
discussing this Mexican question,
am going to deviate from the better
rules of public discussion to a certain
extent by referring, in a brief way to
my own attitude upon this question.
do so not for the purpose of exhibit
ing any supposed wisdom which may
be contained in it, but for the reason
that l do not think it would be fair
for a man that has had the honor to
be a member of the foreign relations
committee of the Senate to sit idly
by and be silent while the President
was dealing with such an important
question, and make no suggestion of
principle or proceeding and then after
the history has been written to criti-
else it. l would deem myself estopped
in this campaign from offering any
suggestions now had / sat entirely
silent as member of the foreign rela-
tions committee while In the heat of
this controversy and had not spoken
when I was under obligation to speak.
1t is for this reason that I refer to
some matters concerning myself. in
order to place me in a fair attitude
before this audience.
AS l stated, l have had the honor of
being a member of the foreign rela-
tons committee of the Senate for the |
asst six years, and all these questions
come Immediately before our commit |
zee. During the early struggle with |
he Mexican question, at a time when |
hey were seeking to get rid of Huerta
he President invited the foreign reia
ions committee to the White House
o discuss the situation. | am not pri- |
vileged, of course, to state the views
which the President expressed there.
am not privileged of course. to give
my view which may have been enter
aimed by him at that time, or state
fC or-c1 ~ ION hrrf I no or
o say that upon that night l express
d to the President. in connection with
he other members Of the foreign rela-
ions committee, my views in regard
0 the Mexican situation. And next
norning / went to the Senate and
yhat 1 had said to the President, hav
1g ascertained his policy and knowing
is procedure, l stated upon the floor
f the Senate, and you Will find those
emarks of mine made in the Senate
f the United States upon the 23rd
ay of April, 1914. about the time we
vere dealing with the Vera Cruz situ
ton
Without taking your time to read
ne record in full which l have here,
will say that / advocated two propo-
tions First. firm and decisive
eclaration upon the part of the Unit
States that we would protect our
tizens In Mexico. regardless of who |
as President, what was the form of I
overnment, or how 1t got into exist I
nee. (Applause.) Secondly l adj 7
ocated earnestly the Withdrawing and T
sfraining from all interference with I
le internal affairs Of Mexico. (Ap-1 I
ause.) / said this, which l will take r
le time to read to you, If I can find S
see war. think when this bill e