The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-07-06
VERA CRUZ TO CARRIZAL
MEXICAN HISTORY

WI NtNHN NO tOn
If we were Mexicans, we could con-
slider our recent history in about this
fashion: A large nation to the north
of US, about six times our size, had en-
deayored to humiliate our national dig
nifty because of an untoward but unim-
portant incident in the harbor of Tam
pico. where an overzealous Mexican
officer exceeded his authority and acted
discourteously to some American sail
ors.
Our president was commanded to
make PREPARATION for this by saluting
the American flag. He refused to do it,
and an American force took possession
of Vera Cruz The American fleet
made this possible, but the American
force never got beyond the protection
of the guns of the fleet. Gallant Mexi-
can cadets faced the big gun fire,
answered 1t with rifles. and were ami
hilated, preferrng death to surrender.
They added a glorious chapter to the
record of Mexican gallantry and patrio-
tism.
The United States army could not ad-
vance beyond the protection of the
navy's guns, and. after period of oc-
cupation of the city, was withdrawn.
Many Mexican civilians had been killed,
but our president did not salute the
American flag and Mexico was protect
ed from invasion by her brave army.
There followed a period after this
demonstration of Mexico's ability to
defend her soil when it seemed possible
to maintain the friendly relations be-
tween the TWO nations, but band of
outlaws, brave Mexicans, but outlaws.
eyaded the vigilance of our government
and attacked town across the border.
We disavow these outlaws, but we must
recognize their bravery and chivalry.
The town they attacked was Columbus,
at which was stationed a part of the
American army. They did not attack
an unprotected town but one we'll guard
ed. Their purpose. unfortunately, was
not only to attack the troops but to
murder civilians. They held the troops
off successfully while they devoted
themselves to their murderous work.
When they had accomplished it they
withdrew. Later, when the govern
ment of the United States had collected
its forces, they were pursued. Our
government, striving sincerely and
eagerly to preserve peace, permitted an
American expedition to enter Mexico to
catch the outlaw leader, making it plain
that the invasion was endured patiently
not because of helplessness but because
of friendliness.
The outlaw leader was not caught.
The effort was futile. The government
of the United States then was advised
that if it would devote itself as thor
oughlv to patroling Its border as the
Mexican government was devoting itself
to the task of running down the scat
tered bands of outlaws, such regrettable
incidents as that at Columbus could not
occur. Our reasonabIeness and patience
had no effect upon the American gov
eminent. Foreign troops remained on
our soil. We were obliged to give our
army the task of stopping the invasion.
At Parral the invaders were told tina
they could not proceed farther They
attempted to do so, were attacked and
put to flight with losses. Our govern
ment. still maintaining It's friendly in
tent, informed the American authori-
ties that the United States army was
interned in Chihuahua and asked them to
remove it.
When this request was UNDECIDED, our
government took the matter in firm
hands and advised the United States
that movement of troops in any d.
rection except northward, in retreat,
would be stopped by force.
This advice was ignored, and at Car
rial an American force endeavored to
move through the town. 1t was attack
ed and routed. We retained twenty
four prisoners and much booty. The