South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-06-26
WAR WOULDN' 7 BE
Sc RI 0 j S--GLEWS
FinanCier Says That Mexican
Trouble viii be of Little
Consequence to u. S.
BY Henry Cicws.

the lulled states nor Mexico IFhiit
wants war: yet conditions are such
that a catastrophe Of this sort seens
imminent. To the United States the
consequences cannot be serious. ex-
cepting the unnecessary loss OF life.
Neither the creation Of an army Of
100. 900 10 100000 men. nor the ex-
2enditG 20 OF a few hundred millions
OF dollars will make any decided
impression upon the vast resources
Of the United States. The ratio Of
costs and losses in a war with Mex
leo would be very much less than
IN case OF the European war. and
no such corresponding OUTLAWS FOR
munitions and transportation would
be necessary. No serious interna-
tl0nal difficulties are threatened by
the Mexican crisis War or inter
venticn might revive the jealousies
OF South American states. which we
have been sincerely trying TO avoid.
with partial success. and which
should pass away entirely as our
southern neighbors acquire better
understanding Of our inteltians War
might raise some questions concern
inE our responsibilities TO other ma
tons which, like ourselves, have
large interests in Mexico that would
be vitality affected. II is too early.
however. TO intelligently discuss
such problems. and for the time
being We are chiefly concerned with
immediate action. We may first
anticipate a period Of excitement
and an adjustment from peaceful
Co wariike conditions. Mobilization
OF non. war finance. preparations
and shipment Of munitions Will each
act as stimulants and promote ac-
tiNity. Optimism Is one of the usual
Concomitants Of war set il must
be remembered that this war. should
it really come. viii be a relatively
small affair. and that in compare
lively short period the country will
become accustomed to the new con-
ditiOns and affairs will go or much
as before. How long ard how stim
a struggle is TO be expected cannot
be fOretold nor ought its Difficult
ties 20 be underestimate. although
the immense superiority OF the
United States in resources and men
indicates but one result-war with
Mexico cannot end until order. JUS
tice and a stable government have
been established upon a firm basis.
In any event the task is a thankIess
one Our government has already
made il clear that it has no lust of
conquest. nor territorial ambitions:
81 declaration that should be lived
up 10 not only for our own good.
but also as an example of good faith
and good Will between ourselves and
all South American republics. FOR
Mexico the was is serious matter.
since with limited financial re-
sources and difficulty in securing
adequate supplies OF munitions. de-
feat is doubly certain.
Domestic OutIOO-S Good.
The domestic OUTLOOK for business
continues encoura ginr Yet there
are certain developments and grow
ing drawbacks which shlIld not Lc.
overlooked. SOM slackenilg OF
trade has already occurred. owing 70
the excessive rise Of many com
mOdities. For example. i'm nearly
all metals. which advanced because
Of the European war. there -
weakening tendency and it would
seem as If the turning point had at
east been reached. The steel in
aaatrv. though active and still i'm
excellent condition. is quieter: de
ia 5frr~ 81
ON quick deliveries have been aban-
doned. Signs OF coming weakness
are also observable In copper, lead.
spelter and other minerals. not so
much because of a decline ina de-
m8ud. as because of AN increase in
output. The same is true Of petro-
loum. which must soon feel the con-
sequences of the tremendous devel-
opmcnt OF new wells following in
creased consumption and abnormal
Is high prices. These conditions are
not wholly disocuraging ON the
contrary. they prove progress and
activity; also a necessary readjust-
ment TO new economic conditions.
and the fact that supply is overtak-
ing demand. Many commodities
had reached dangerously high
level often the result of reckless
and unsound speculation. The days
Of eNtravagant war profits derived
from biz European orders are draw
ing 90 a close At most 10 is safe TO
assume that the European war IS
about two-thirds done. and that
while munition orders viii not cease
suddenly. 10 is well 90 appreciate
that henceforth they will play a di-
minishing part in our trade and in
dustrial activities. From now ON
the industriaIs. which benefited so
extraordinarily from the misfos-
;unes Of others must face the in
etitable recessious TO more normal
conditions
Pears Tarif Wars
Peace is not vet On sight. yet the
belief sains that it is not far dis
Jut and with its approach the
forces Of reod5ustment viii receive
fresh impetus Whatever slacken-
irg there m8y be in domestic in-
dEstry. che conviction strengthens
That our forcign trade wil make O.
Hie forward movement. and that
-orous contest Cor Supremacy in
Chat direction is one OF fhc iuci-
....r sequences The United States