Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-06-22
CROSSING
THE RUBICON.

THE RUBICON.
Blood has been shed in Mexico. A
clash has occurred between United
States, troops and the subjects OF
Carranza. While the Mexicans are
attempting to place the blame OF this
unfortunate occurance upon the Am
orleans, the fact remain that fight
has taken place and that men wearing
/ the uniform of the United States
have fallen amid the clash of war.
Diplomacy was exhausted some time
ago in, futile attempts to live peace
ably with our southern neighbor. and,
like the clash in. Boston and at Lex
! ington, one hundred and forty years
ago, a cry to arms has echoed
throughout the country, and war
seems now inevitable.
We have honestly endeavored to
! avert hostilities. They have been
forced upon US by stupid individual
who is now posing as executive OF a
| storm-ridden country where rulers
wade through blood in order to reach
the pinnacle of their ambition, and
where every change Of an administra-
ton must necessarily be accompanied
by a revolution. In short, conditions
in Mexico are akin to those in Asia
centuries ago when the poison cup
and the bowstring entered conspl-
cuously into the political history OF
certain countries.
The United States has endeavored
to maintain amicable relations with
Mexico. Patience has ceased to be a
virtue, however, and there is no re-
course left save the big stick, and
it will be used for all it is worth.
The splendid way in which all
classes of citizens are responding to
the Presidents summons makes every
American proud of his country. A
comparatively small part of the
United States is exposed to peril in
connection with a possible rupture
with Mexico, and conflict with that
country is but child's play to war
with a first-class power. That the
RESPONSE to the Presidents call should
be so prompt and SO universal IS a
fine and inspiring object-lesson IN
American patriotism.
The Richmond Journal aptly says:
Carranza is not an idiot and ne
knows that but for the good offices
of the United States he could not
have maintained his position as
.6rst chief" Of the Constitutionallst
party. But he is vain and pompous
ass. who has deliberately deludcd
his people into the belief that the
United States is bent upon infringing
their sovereign rights and that ne,
Venustiano Carranza, is the one man
to prevent such a calamity. In TINS
he is more knave than ass, but 1t sui
fees his purpose, since IN MIN the
neople are invited to behold the saw
ior of their country, the defender OF
their national honor. If the United
States troops are not Withdrawn and
war results, First Chief Carranza,
will himself lead his army to battle.
What is to be done with so dan
perous combination of fool ara
iinave Other than to administer TO
him sound castigation and pack him
out of the country? The next step is
to establish a protectorate, as in Cuba
and when he people can demonstrate
their ability to govern themselves, rH
store to them their full sovereignty
It is the only course to pursue. All
else has proved futile. The time' has
arrived for action, but with no intent
to profit selfshly, through tcrrltor
ial aggrandizement. 1t were the
greatest Kindness to Mexico, the only
way to put stop to the recurring
outrages committed along 1900 miles
Of borderland.