New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-21
No Money ReparsGon.

1t is suggested that injuries suffered
on account of the bandit raids are a
matter Of "pecuniary reparation," but
, never the cause for American forces
70 invade Mexican soil" The prece-
dents which have been established and
maintained by the government Of the
Mexican Republic for the last half cent
ury do not bear out this statement II
has grown to be almost a custom not to
settle depredations of bandits by pay
ments of money alone, but TO quell such
disorders and to prevent such crimes
by swift and sure punishment
The de fscto government finally
argues that "if the frontier were duly
protected from incursions from Mexico
there would be no reason for the exist
ing difficulty" Thus the de facto gov
eminent attempts TO absolve itself from
the first duty of any government
namely, the protection Of life and prop
erty. This is the paramount obligation
for which governments are Instituted,
and governments neglecting or falling
TO perform il are not worthy Of the
name.
This is the duty for which General Car
rama, 10 must be assumed, initiated ms
revolution in Mexico and organized the
present government, and for which the
United States government recognized ms
government as the de facto government
Of Mexico. Protection Of American lives
and property, then, in the United States
is first the obligation of this govern
ment. and in Mexico Is, first. the obll-
CATION of Mexico. and, second, the obli-
CATION of the United States. In secur-
ing this protection along the common
boundary the United States has right
TO expect the cooperation of its neigh
boring republic; and yet, instead OF
taking steps TO check or punish the
raiders. the de facto government de
murs and objects TO measures taken by
the United States.
The government Of the United States
does not wish 20 believe that the de
facto government approves these ma
rauding attacks, yet as they continue
10 be made they show that the Mexican
government Is unable to repress them.
This inability, as this government has
had occasion in the past 20 say, may
excuse the failure 10 check the out
RACES complained Of, but II only makes
stronger the duty Of the United States
TO prevent them, for II the government
OF Mexico cannot protect the lives and
property Of Americans, exposed 70 az
tack from Mexicans. the government OF
the United States IS IN duty bound, 50
far AS il can, TO do so.
In conclusion the Mexican govern
ment invites the United states 20 sup
port its assurances Of friendship with
real and effective acts which "can be
no other than the immediate with
Z y
The reasons I have herein fully set
forth this request of the de facto gov
eminent cannot now be entertained.
The United States has not sought the
duty which has been forced upon II OF
uursuiug bandits who. under tunda-
mental principles OF municipal and in
terrational law, ought 70 be pursued
and arrested and punished by Mexican
authorities.
Whenever Mexico will assume and
effectively exercise that responsibility
the United States, as 10 has many times
before publicly declared. will be glad
10 have this obligation fulfilled By the
DC facto government OF Mexico. II
on the contrary the de facto gov
eminent is pleased TO ignore this
Obligation and 70 believe that
in lease OF refusal 20 retire these
troops there is no further recourse
than 20 defend It's territory by an ap-
peal 70 arms" the government of the
United States would surely be lacking
in sincerity and friendship il it did
no. frankly impress upon the De facto
government that the execution Of this
threat will lead to the gravest conse-
quences.
While this government would deeply
regret such result, yet u cannot re
cede from its settled determination 20
maintain its national rights and 70
perform It's full duty in preventing fur
ther invasions OF the territory of the
United States and in removing the peril
which Americans along the interna
tlonal boundary have borne so long
with patience and forbearance. Accept,
etc ROBERT LANSING.