The Washington times., 1916-09-05
THE MEXICAN COMMISSIONS
WORK

hope that the joint Mexican-Ameri-
can commission now beginning its
consideration of the problems in
volving the two countries, may ar
rive at a solution advantageous to
the people Of both. There is this in
favor of such an expectation: that,
as Mr.. Cabrera said in his little
talk at Secretary Lansing's lunch
con yesterday, "The American
people at large want peace with
Mexico, and the Mexican people do
not want war with America"
That is absolutely true. The pro-
portion of Mexicans who believe any
good could come to their country
from clash with the United States
is not only small, but made up of
those elements that are least quail
fled to understand what that clash
would mean. The American con-
tingent that would be pleased with
an outbreak of hostilities is a good
deal more intelligent and under
standing; but its motives are no bet
ter, it is actuated by simple selfish
ness; the purpose to fasten an
American regime on Mexico for the
profit Of exploiters.
1t ought to be possible to compose
the differences between the two
countries; and it must be realized,
now, that to compose those differ
ences will be to insure something
like order, some progress toward
restoration Of tranquility. in Mexi-
CO. The United States interest in
Mexico is first of all to establish a
stable government and safe condi-
tions in a neighboring country. That
is as necessary for the safety of
Mexico as of the community along
our own side Of the international
border.
Everything will depend on the
spirit in which the members of the
commission approach their task
and the early expressions indicate
that they are moved by thorough
understanding of it. The American
troops must be taken out of Mexico
whenever it is safe to take them out,
and not before. Mexico must be re-
stored to substantial financial
basis; and that will not be nearly
SO difficult a task as many people
imagine, because the country is po-
tentially rich, and under a proper
administration will be able to re.
habilitate itself at a splendid rate.
Moreover, the United States is
postured to extend the financial
helping hand with no serious diff
Guilty.
One really advantageous phase of
the situation is that there is NO
chance of an international loan
being offered to, or attempted to be
forced upon, Mexico. There is no.
body else than the United States to
undertake this service at present;
and it is far better that the whole
transaction should be strictly be-
tween Mexico and this country. II
will avoid complications in future
strengthen the hand of the United
States, and insure that the best and
most disinterested friend of Mexico
shall be the one to provide counsel
and guidance in that country's re.
organization.
Mexico's problem rs better under.
stood by Americans than it ever has
been before. 1t is a problem OF
irving the people a chance; of in,
suring on the one side the perma.
nence and vigor, in the government
that were maintained under Diaz
while at the same time making that
strong government serve the whole
people, rather than the special ant
favored interests. In such an eff,
fort as this, sincerely undertaken b,
the ADLER and more intelligent leader.
of Mexico, the United States will b,
more than ready IN ro-onarato