The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1916-11-02
MEXICAN SITUATION.


Now, my friends. fastening on.
went to discuss for a few moments
certain phases of the foreign affairs
the Mexican question. 1 do not desire
to detain you too long, but 1 do not
come often. I want to discuss this,
and then 1 shall have held you as long
as 1 think in good conscience l can.
Will 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 The constitutional
rights of American citizens should
protect 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
government. both for himself and his
property"
1 believe in every word, sylla-
BILE, 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
legiance to the Republic, upon
whatever part of Gods footstool
they may stray. (Applause.)
That is the Mexican platform. In
discussing this Mexican question. 1 am
going to deviate from the better rules
of public discussion to a certain extent
by referring in brief way, to my own
attitude upon this question. | do so
not for the purpose of exhibiting any
supposed wisdom which may be con-
tanned in it, but for the reason that l
do not think it would be fair for
man that has had the honor to be a
member of the foreign relations COM
mittee of the Senate to sit Idly by and
be silent while the President was deal
ing with such an important question,
and make no suggestion of principle
or proceeding and then. after the his
tory has been written, to criticise it,
would deem myself estopped in this
campaign from offering any sugges-
tons now had l sat entirely silent as
a member of the foreign relations
committee while in the heat of this
and had not spoken when
1 was under obligation to speak. 1t is
for this reason that 1 refer to some
matters concerning myself in order TO
place me in a fair attitude before this
audience.
AS 1 stated, have had the honor of
being a member of the foreign rela-
lions committee of the Senate for the !
asst six years, and ali these questions
come Immediately before our commit
zee. During the early struggle with ]
he Mexican question, and at a time I
when they were seeking to get rid of S
1uerta, the President invited the for t
ign relations committee to the White {
House to discuss the situation. | am S
lot privileged of course. to state the [
Jews which the President expressed d
here. 1 am not privileged, of course. \
o give any view which may have been T
Entertained by him at that time. or v
a his fiOn hnt | r.
litted to say that upon that night
to the President, in connec-
on with other members of the foreign
Citations committee, my views in re-
ard to the Mexican situation. And
ext morning | went to the Senate and
hat | had said to the President, hav-
ig ascertained his policy and know
lg his procedure. / stated upon the
cor of the Senate and you will find
lose remarks of mine made in the
enate of the United States upon the
Bird day of April. 1914 about the
me we were dealing with the Vera
ruiz situation.
Without taking your time to read
e record in full which | have here.
will say that 1 advocated two propo-
tons: First: A firm and decisive
,claration upon the part of the Unit w
States that we would protect our re
items in Mexico. regardless of who de
as President, what was the form of W;
or how it got into exist wi
ce (Applause.) Secondly: | adj of
Gated earnestly the withdrawing and ci,
training from all interference with We
e internal affairs of Mexico. Cap alb
ause) | said this. which | will take by
e time to read to you. if l can find re;
here For myself. l do not want de
see war. I think when this bill He
sses it should be declared as the hin