Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-03-08

WHAT is THERE WITH

From the Houston Post.
The report from Washington that the
latest Mexican tragedy is creating a de-
mand for intervention is not unexpected.
But what would we intervene with?
We have power sufficient for
coastal control, but as intervention would
not necessarily mean open hostility, there
would be little for the navy to do except,
probably. to prevent the Importation of
arms and munitions to enable the turbu-
lent elements to resist.
1t Is pretty we'll known. however. that
Intervention would necessitate the garri-
soning of practically every city and dis
100000 men would be required to begin the
task. Unless tho republic were complete
~ occupied there would be serious dis
ant masses would be certain to miscon-
strue the military occupation of their
country by the soldiers of the United
AS it is not the intention of this country
to go to war with Mexico, and as inter
vention Is something we are in no position
to undertake.. for lack of soldiers. ii is a
waste of breath for members to Suggest
Intervention. at least at this time.
Nevertheless. intervention looms as the
ultimate solution of Mexican troubles. II
will require a large cohesive force 10
bring about perfect tranquility and no fac
ton of the native population seems to
have power enough to control all parts
of the country. and the task Of uniting
the factions seems we'll nigh hopeless.
Even if there were no European prob
lens to perplcX us, a due regard for our
obligations to our own countrymen who
reside in Mexico and have property there
would suggest early preparation for what
Is at least the possibility of intervention.
Unless the country prepare itself to act,
Mexico will sooner or later loom as a very
disagreeable and embarrassing issue in our
politics.
Our border clashes are more apt to in
crease in number and casualties than di-
minish, and each little clash leaves behind
1t Ill feeling between the races that sooner
or later will p%recipitate serious trouble
between the countries. Murders like those
in Chihuahua will evoke reprisals and
there will follow q chain Of o%utrages
which m IA ultimately lead to war, the
thing above all others that we desire to
avoid.
II congress. would manifest the foresight
to increase the regular army as proposed
by Secretary Garrison and provide for a
we'll trained citizen army. the country
would soon be prepared for the proper dis
charge OF Its obligations on this side. And
unless prompt provision be mad for q dis
charge Of these obligations and the newt
able tasks that are coming to us. there Is
certain to be manifestation OF disapproval
and OF lack Of confidence on the part of
the people in the capacity OF the party ir
power to deal wisely with emergencies.
Both parties at this time are engaged in
the unworthy occupation of playing poll
tics and wasting precious time. but the
party IN power Is the n that will suffer
the penalties of inaction. unless there be
q. prompt realization of the gravity Of the
situation ard a course Of action that will
But 1t is no use to call for Intervention
or any other manifestation Of power OF
capacity to meet and deal with emer-
gencies until such power ID provided for.