Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-14
u. S. Accepts Reciprocal Arrangement with
General Carranza and Considered in Force

! .ioliI Europe over this hemi-
sphere, Senator Borah declared. NO
man knows one day what emergency
the country may have to face the next
rms defence program cannot be
SNAPPED in a week. 1t may take months
10 formulate the plans for national
defense urged by the President. Judg-
ing from the present condition Of this
legislation. one Of two things must be
| true. Either the President is sadly in
error as to the requirements Of the
| situation which confronts US, or Con-
gress is sadly in error in it's failure to
| respond more quickly to the Presi-
dents requests.
Certainly nothing can be less fortu-
nate at this time than for Congress
and the executive to disagree over this
important issue. l do not disapprove
Of the action the President has taken
in pursuing into Mexico those who in
vaded the United States and MUIR
dered our citizens. In SO far as that
expedition is confined to pursuit OF a
fugitive band Of murderers, I believe
the President not orly did right. but
acted we'll within his constitutional
rights. do not mean to leave even an
inference Of criticism Of the Presi-
dents course. have been so anxious
to see some vigorous action with ref
erence to the protection of american
rights that | would be even willing to
compromise with Constitutional ques-
i lions if they were involved.
yet no man knows the consequences
which might follow from our entering
Mexico, even for the purposes set forth
by the President. When you take into
consideration the fact that all Central
America is interested and that all Cen
trail America is uneasy when she sees
the power of America moving in her di-
rection, no matter what the purpose may
be- you must conclude that Central Amer
lea will not look upon our course in
friendly way.
"If these things be true. how are we
going to meet the situation? Experts
tell us 1t will require an army of 5o.Uo
men in Mexico and 100000 to protect the
border In the face of such circumstances
shall we confine our efforts here for the
next few weeks to legislation that can
wait or take advantage of the situation
and here and now, once and for all. set
ourselves to contamination of plan OF
preparedness and give notice to all the
world that Congress and the resident
are in accord with respect to this sltua-
tom"
Senator Chamberlain said he protested
against the country being lulled into
sense of security by the statement that
100 900 regulars were available. Not more
than $1,000 men, he said, were in con-
tinental United States and he estimated
that not more than half Of those could
be used in Mexico.
IF We think we can go into Mexico
and whip them into order in a few
weeks. this country will be mistaken.
said the senator. Il would not be sur
prised to see every Mexican rally
around Villa. or one standard. to whip
the United States. Besides lacking men.
we lack equipment. such as aeroplanes,
sufficient to meet the present emergen-
cy.
Senator Smoot. Republican. declared
he believed there were more machine
guns in Mexico today than in the. Uni
ted States and more ammunition.
Senator Hoke Smith suggested that the
military committee bring in an army
bill Immediately to double the enlisted
strength.
Senator Simmons asked Senator
Chamberlain if the National Guard
would not be available for patrol duty
along the border.
Senator Chamberlain replied there
were about 10000 men in the national
guard and all We're available for SER
vice He said he had great confidence
in their fighting capacity but that there
was great difference of opinion among
experts as to the number that would
be AT for actual service. He thought
however that they Nigh be effective
along the frontier.
"If chasing bandits in Mexico is all
there is to il" Senator Chamberlain
said. the government has enough. but
If We are going against trained army
that has been fighting in Mexico for
five years it will be different matter"