The Washington herald., 1916-06-24
Our Purpose in Mexico.

Inc secretary OF Stdte, MI. Lansing mas
notified the diplomatic representatives of South
and Central American nations that, if the United
States enters upon a war with Mexico, hos
tilites, in short. would be simply state of inter
national without purpose on the part of the
United States other than to end the conditions
which menace national peace and the safety
of our citizens" Such an assurance to the world
may be useful and necessary, but its utterance
plainly suggests the desirability of more def
mite and detailed understanding on the part of
the people of the United States. Those who are
to make great sacrifices in order to do military
service for their country, we'll as those who
are to bear an added burden of taxation for pay
ment of the price Of war are entitled to some
assurance. Secretary -Lansings announcement
may please South and Central America, but what
about the men who being asked to enlist to
do the fighting?
So far as the people of this country are now
informed we are to go to for the purpose of
carrying out determination to keep troops
IN Mexico for the purpose Of hunting down ban
dts who destroy or threaten to destroy the
lives and property of Americans on either side
OF the border. A great many persons believe
that if this is our sole purpose the army now
In the field and the army which has begun to
mobilize would be in just as advantageous a
readiness United States soil as it would be
On the Mexican side. If actual warfare depends
altogether the location of the center of opera
tons against the bandits these persons would pre-
fer that it be withdrawn a few miles to the north.
If, however, the purpose of the United States
is something beyond what its people now under
stand, then it must be assumed that the intention
is intervention, with all that it implies; and if
there be such intention then a new declaration by
the government would seem to be called for.
The administration has as yet given no sign
that it wishes the people of the United States
to understand that it has undertaken a war for
the purpose of benevolent pacihcation of Mexico
at enormous expense. 1t may we'll be doubted
whether such war, calling for the sacrifice of
many lives and the expenditure of vast sums of
money. would arouse much enthusiasm
Our people have been killed and robbed and
our territory has been threatened by Mexican in
vaders. Already we have suffered heavy damages
AS result we are putting huge army in the
held Are we to bear the additional expense of
its equipment and maintenance? According to
Secretary Lansings advice to the South and Cen
tral American powers We are entering upon an
international war, without purpose on the part
OF the United States other than to end the condi-
tons which menace our national peace and the
safety of citizens" 1t may be assumed that
even though we are without thought Of con-
quest it is the intention of the administration that
Mexico shall pay the expenses of our war and
pay for lives and property destroyed; but at
present there is too much uncertainty about the
situation.
Doubtless the President will deem it wise to
make an early declaration to Congress of his
intentions. in order that he may proceed upon
the tremendous undertaking that calls for the
services Of all the militia of the States with full
authority, and that the American people may be
fully informed OF the object of their war. The
sooner such declaration is made the better.