The Washington herald., 1916-06-02
Carranza Now Our Pupil.

The note OF the Carranza government is SO
hied with false assertions, Misrepresentation and
irrelevant criticisms of various policies of our
government that whatever of truth it contains
rs obscured beyond discovery. 1t cannot be con-
sidered treated as 4 diplomatic communica-
ton from one civilized government to another
but is to be regarded merely as a bombastic out
burst by the irresponsible leader Of a turbulent
people who unfortunately for us are our neigh
bors. The note is unworthy of reply in detail
and is not likely to be dignihed with one. II
calls merely for the announcement of the de-
cision by the Washington government whether to
withdraw the United States troops in response to
an ill-founded and insoert demand or to permit
them to remain until the so-called Mexican gov
ernment demonstrates its ability 10 prevent raids
upon American territory or outrages upon its
Citizens. 1t is announced that the administration
has determined upon the latter course, the only
one that would not involve humiliation, even
though there may be no immediate necessity for
the presence of soldiers in Mexico.
If it is true that the American troops are to
be kept there in defiance of Carranza the fact
must be accepted a gratifying assurance that
our army is at least sufficiently prepared to
protect itself and the country from any hostile
undertakings by the forces of Carranza. The
arrogant attitude of the first chief may be mere
bluff for the purpose of mpressing his people
yet or the other hand he may be possessed OF
such exaggerated notions of his own importance
and power and the strength of his army that he
seriously contemplates giving battle to Gen. Per
shings expedition That the Washington gov
ernment is confident Of the adequacy of our forces
now in the field to deal with Carranzas army as
an enemy is the only Interpretation to be placed
on the acceptance of his challenge
One portion OF Carranzas communication in
dicates more clearly than all the rest OF it the
fasity OF the position he takes. Referring to the
second American expedition into Mexico, result
ing from the Glenn Springs raid he attempts to
repudiate any and all forms of agreement with
this country for the sending Of armed forces
into Mexico; and yet It will be recalled that in
his first note, requesting the withdrawal Of the
Pershing expedition, he specifically admitted an
agreement, claiming, however, that it was not
retroactive, that it did uot apply to the cxpcdi-
ton undertaken to punish the Columbus raiders,
but only to expeditions that might be sent as the
result of possible future outrages
Whatever the influences NAV be that control
Carranzas actions is quite clear that he is not
now and never has been friend OF the govern
ment that is wholly responsible for him in his
official position. He has scarcely made even A
pretence OF cooperation r our efforts to capture
Villa and has in fact never been anything but
hostile to the United States from the moment
that Huerta was driven from power through its
This government must at last
be convinced Of the mistake it made in regarding
him as its friend. Having been the. dupc of his
hypocrisy and doube-dealing the fact that it is
now compelled to recognize him in his true
character as its enemy can only be regarded
with satisfaction
Many Americans contend that there is at
present nothing for the United States army to
do IN Mexico, unless actual intervention is con-
templated; that though the attempt to capture
Villa has failed he and his followers have been
taught wholesome and costly lesson. Since
there IS little prospect that Villa can be finally
disposed OF 1t is argued that the place for our
soldiers is on this side Of the border, where thew
could be maintained in readiness for immediate
action or pursuit in any direction These views
are not unreasonable, and it is quite probable
that but for Carranza's insulting demands the
troops would have been withdrawn before this
However, he has made withdrawal quite impos-
s1ble for the present. Mr. Bryan would have to
be the head of the nation before it could meek1,,
yield to such insolencc and proclaim itself A
football tor the sport Of other nations Our
soldiers will have to remain until Carranza has
been taught that respect which we once under
took to teach Hucrta with our ships and army.