Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-07-07
CarTanza'S Compliance.

Compared with his former robustious epistles,
Carranzas latest note is a cooling plea for peace
No longer inpugning the good faith of the United
States threatening attacks on General PERISH
ing's force should il move otherwise than north
ward, he pledges the de facto government:
ITO employ all efforts that may be at its
disposal to avoid the recurrence of new Incl
dents that may complicste and aggravate the
situation"
He admits for the first time. that the United States
has Just cause grievance in the insecurity of the
frontier He refers TO the immediate release of
the CarrizaI prisoners further proof of his sim
cere desire to reach an amicable settlement of
present difficulties In short, Carranza comes down
from his high horse and speaks in the manner of
man who realizes at last that he is dealing with
a power which is no less firm and resourceful
because it is patient and just.
His conversion TO this sane and conciliatory
mood, belsted though il is, attests the wisdom OF
the Presidents policy Whatever our ultimate
course toward Mexico must be. for the present, at
least war has been averted. If interests can
be protected and maintained without sacrifice of
treasure and blood, that is certainly the better
way: and Mr. Wilson intends holding to that way
until it is closed irrevOcably. If his policy is
judged by results rather than in passion or parti-
sanship its success at this iuncture is undeniable
Carranza has Yielded far as the tone and the
terms of his latest give evidence; and he has
yielded as completely Germany did on the sub
marine issue.
Several influences have brought him to this
compliance Prominent amongst them. if not up
permost we're the Administrations speedy meas
ures for mobilizing the National Guard Thus con-
WINGED that the United States not to be trihed
with the de facto government OF Mexico concluded
that the better part of valor was discretion The
mobilization should continue. however, until IL is
complete That is the surest means of impressing
such authority as exists in Mexico with our unbend
ing purpose and our ability to protect the border
and to go further still if the needs of the situation
demand it.
Aside from this aspect, the mastering of the
National Guard for frontier duty affords valuable
test of our second line of defense. Weaknesses will
he disclosed and can be remedied Lessons of
priceIess worth for the future will be learned The
men themselves will be seasoned and hardened for
service The cause of preparedness will be set I'M
measurabIy forward. II is hardly to be doubted
therefore, that the War Department will proceed
with its present program as though the Mexican
outlook we're unchanged.
Indeed we have assurance that Carranza
paeifc words will not be blotted out by some sud
den upheavaI amongst his unruly people. The
Mexican problem is nothing if treacherous. For
wears II has been critical; We scarcely can hope
that Il will be solved without further difficulties.
For the present however. the Administrators pol
iev of dealing Justly and patiently with stricken
land of seeking to help it rather than conquer II,
is vindicated The President is coping with this
problem one step at time, meeting emergencies as
thew arise Whatever the future may bring-and
Il il far from assuring-the present is again In
equilibrium. week ago war seemed inevitable
vigor. combined with prudence war has oeen
averted