The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1916-10-10
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.

Washington, Oct. t. Especial. -
Three years ago, when there was a
Japanese crisis, a friend went to Sec
Daniels and suggested that half
a dozen battleships be quietly slipped
Cape Horn and stationed on
the Pacific coast. He said that ID was
then too late; that such a move might
taken as an act Of hostility by
Japan or at least give Japan cause for
more irritation.
The Panama canal was to be of
great naval strength to the country
and the feet could be transferred from
one ocean to another, but at present
and at that time the canal could not
be used. More than that, it is doubt
full If a risk OF sending battleships
through the canal would be taken I'm
time of war.
And 8 the Pacific coast IL still un-
protected. Admiral Winslow when
commanding the feet told the naval
committee that one battleship could
destroy everything we have In the way
of a naval force on the Pacific coast.
unjust Not Divide the Fleet"
1t Is IA curious thing about naval
officers that they agree that the Pacific
coast should be protected, but most of
them will say I'VE must not divide
the fleet" and as a result the entire
fleet of big ships is kept I'm Atlantic
waters, although IL must be known
that If there Is any menace existing
now. any reason for the great stride
toward military preparedness. II is
from Japan rather than from any 9th
er country.
Japan is not going TO rest quietly un-
der what her people regard as a stig.
ma, and this they feel rests upon
them when they are denied admission
10 the United States and prevented
from acquiring land I'm this country.
Must Hand IL to C~srranza.
In the language of the street, You
gotta hand it to Carranza." Begin
ming three years ago, he has shown
such an independence as to challenge
admiration. eve If his judgment ha,
been at fault. Carranza kicked over
the A. Il. G. mediation conference
two years < and has made the re.
cent conference a farce. CarranZa has
been offered assistance by this country
and has scorned Ii. Even while help
ing 10 drive out Huerta he told us Il
get out of Vera Cruz, and now, while
MA n4An Hnx~4sNn 80 InrWra VILLA hA fANlt
us to get out of northern Mexico. H'
may be a stupid. perverse old fellow
but he's q game old scout.
An Important Factor.
Robert Dollar. the Pacific coasr
steamship and lumber man, while II
Washington a short time ago said tina
the japanese had almost complete
control OF the commerce on the Pacific
ocean between the United States anC
the orient. That is going 70 be a grea
factor I'm case there should be trouble
between this country and japan.
Commerce With Mexico.
Americans do not wish to sell goods
TO Mexicans, according 10 a man wh'
makes purchases for Mexican firms
They are afraid OF the instability OF
the government and possible losses
Then there Is trouble about the rate o
exchange. On the Mexican side of the
Rio Grande Mexican money is wortl
Az cents on the dollar. North Of th'
river 1t Is 31a, and only as far north a
San Antonio II is 212. Under sucl
financial conditions 1t Is not strang'
that Americans do not car to risl
their goods In Mexico unless they hav'
the gold coin In advance.
Whitaere's Predictions.
Former Congressman Whitacre. wh'
became known as the business man u
politics and was Disguised with tn
house because Ii spent SO much tim'
In talk and SO little in action, Is again
a candidate for reelection. And he
going TO be elected. He says so him
self. Not only that, but he told hi
Washington friends on a recent visi
that Ohio would vote for Wilson; tina
Pomerene would be reelected 10 tn
senate and Cox would defeat Will
for governor. In fact, Ohio is abou
as Democratic as they make them, az
cording to Whitacre.
Doing Their Best.
The appointees of President Wilso
are working hard for him. Many o
them are away from Washington an
are making speeches in their HON
states or In doubtful states. There ar
some very clever workers and effectiv
speakers among them.
Not an Issue This Year.
The repeal OF the provision for fire
American ships passing through til
Panama canal was something of an Ii
sue I'm 1914. 1t would have been
greater issue but for the Europea
war. This year very little is hear
ahput fraa TOLLS