West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-07-20
Declared Spectators in Mexico
Wanted Intervention for Selfish
Reasons and that Wilson Was
Following the Best Course and
Should be Upheld by Everyone

WASHINGTON, July l5.-Tho fact
that Charles w. Fairbanks. Vlco Pres.
idontial candidate on the Republican
ticket. fully approved the Mexican pol
icy of President Wilson, was laid be-
fore the Senate on August 81. 1913,
by MIR. Kern of Indiana. who placed
In the Congressional Record the views
expressed by Mr.. Fairbanks.
The question came up when reso-
luton offered by Senator Penrose was
under discussion. The resolution de-
clared that American citizens I'm Mex.
leo should be protected adequately,
thereby lossening the possibility of
foreign intervention. and that this
government should not recognize. aid
or assist any faction I'm Mexico.
In calling attention to the attitude
of Mr. Fairbanks. as he had outlined
II I'm speech delivered Just before
that date, Senator Kern said. as print
ed In the Congressional Record.
Mr. President, few days ago nn
address was delivered before the Re-
publican Editorial Association OF In
diana by the Hon. Charles w. Fair
banks, formerly Vice President of the
United States-a man who was pre-
siding officer of this body; man with
the respect and the confidence of all
it's members, n man who. while pro-
nounced partisan, is recognized as be-
ing careful student OF public affairs,
possessing enlightened views on pub
lie questions.
I'm this address brief reference was
made to the Mexican situation. Tho
sentiments expressed were patriotic
sentiments, In line with those express
ed on both sides of the chamber this
morning. II is because the sentiments
expressed here, after reading para
graph or two to express my own yiows
that ] shall ask that the entire extract,
which is short. may be printed In the
Record. He says:
." Il have no doubt that the disturb
ances In Mexico during the last few
years have been due. i'm greater or
less degree. to an effort on The part
OF ambitious. cunning men to force
Intervention and possibly annexation
to the United States. The exploitors
of our neighbor have undoubtedly
thought that they would gain much II
they could force Intervention by the
United States. There arc soldiers of
fortune in Mexico who would un-
doubtedly welcome such a contingen-
cy.
'Sensationalists are adding TO the
confusion Of the situation and making
more difficult the solution OF the pro-
blem. Intervention I'm Mexico is, OF
course. not a matter to be considered
lightly; for Intervention means war,
and war means the destruction OF hui
man lives and the expenditure Of hun
dreds OF millions OF dollars.
IT means, furthermore, the respon-
sibility Of the government OF 10000
900 people for an indefinite period. We
are now engaged In governing 10000
900 aliens as the result OF the Spanish
American war-a war which could
very probably have been averted II we
could have exercised n little more pa
tience, patriotism and self-restraint.
fff pnV puoruIo1rra L., AF.-f.,
fer pecuniary loss as the result OF re-
curing revolutions. that is "a matter
for future consideration, when stable
government and peace are fully es-
tablished in that country. IL Is not
warrant for shedding the blood OF
Americans TO sacrifice the life OF
one soldier for all Of the dollars In
vestors or spectators have ventured
in Mexico would be the supremest
criminal folly without deliberate
ahront on the part OF the Mexican gov
ornment, whether II exists dc jure or
de facto, Is no good ground on which
we would be- justified in sending our
armies beyond the Rio Grande.
'He concludes by saying:
President Wilson is dealing with
II tthe situatlon) as best he can. We
may not entirely agree that his course
is better than that OF his distinguish
ed predecessor, nevertheless wo
should endeavor TO uphold his hands
There should be no difference OF opln-
ion as 70 that by doing &c we shall
make his task comparatively easy
one.
9" IT is not an hour for either little
politics or sensational Journalism.
The clamor Of the jingoes should not
be allowed to drown the voice OF ra-
tional, deliberate statesmanship. It
is a pretty safe rule. when We come
TO deal with grave international pro
blems, to put our faith in the Presi-
dent OF the United states and follow
where he may lead. Tic speaks for
the country when we come 20 deal
with international affairs. The Pres
ident Of the United States is a safer
guide than sensationalists and the SOL
diers Of fortune. who come to the sur
face whenever International controver-
sizes arise.
Those sentiments, Mr.. President.
we're applauded vigorously and en-
Enthusiastically by a large body OF the