The sun., 1916-09-28
. DNPASSNONATE EXAMLNA TON or
MR.. WILSON'S MEXICAN POLICIES.
They Have Been Based Jpon Theories That DO Not Stand the Test Of
Examination N Historical Grounds.

ManifeStly IL Is Impossible 10 lorS-
see In what terms Mexican complica-
lions are to present themselves to the
United States on March 4, 1917. There
fore nc obligation exists for Republic
with regard to any specific undertake
ing toward Mexico. Even the least
pledge Of action that is necessarily SO
long deferred must be contingent upon
circumstances which may entirely
change before the promise could be
redeemed. Mr.. Hughes Is not describ-
ing In what manner he shall cross his
bridges until he comes to them. No
one on that o can justly charge
him with cowardicc or incapacity.
But President Wilson'S responsibility
Is of a different character. What he
has done or omitted to do is certainly
subject for criticism, and the record
can be fairly taken as a criterion Of the
way in which he may he counted upon
To handle things Mexican hereafter In
case the executive office Is to remain
in his hands.
That way is fundamentally n bad
way. The faults I'm it, numerous as
they are confessed TO be. are infinitely
less evil in the item of applying than
in stating the principles involved.
President Wilson POUNDS his policy
upon notions rather than upon facts.
lie thinks it * the natural right OF
MeNiCans 10 continue as ignorant. as
vicious and AZ lawless az they please
within their own territory. lie thinks
IT Is u natural wrong that any people
should try by force To rule another
against the latter'S will. Neither OF
his propositions is true. When either
is accurately stated no one prctcnds
that 1t is true.
IL sounds quite plausible. m II Is
easy to think that because a nation,
for instance. like Germany or Italy.
endured several centuries OF igno-
rance. vlciousness and lawlessness be-
fore 1t found itself" and entered upon
the strength Of later orderlincss all
younger nations should have a like
privilege OF working out their own
dcstinies. But II We are to read a part
Of history We should read the whole.
or We shall not comprehend tho part.
Neither Germany nor Italy. France,
England nor any other OF the older
Powers found themselves or worked
out their own destinies without as
sistancc which was not asked for. Of
without restraints which were imposed
upon them by compulsion exercised
from without.
Under government no man il per-
mitted to enjoy the free ownership Of
property IL he maintains it as a public
nuisance ,r in ,s',uy 1.,a,.- g.. III. -....
w"lfar" and that Of his dependents.
Public authority rightly %interven.s and
puts effective restraints upon such "A
man Ills property is taken away or
a conservator il appointed to manage
II for him.
with the sanction of tho worlds
public opinion and by the conventions
of international comfy. in behalf Of
humanity like processes are invoked
to deal with peoples who do not Of
themselves maintain civilization and
~tulerablc conduct within their own
land. In accordance with this same
ton, the United States in tho past has
frequently and fortunately INTERVIEWED
To govern alien peoples against their
VIII. and 50 has every other consider
able civilized Power on the face Of the
earth.
TIE United States has a right to
safeguard the legitimate interests of
It's own people in Mexico without
reference TO the wishes OF McXicans.
and II is the duty OF the United states.
by reason of its situation as nearest
n"!ehbor ana most convenient friend.
To sec tn it that bcnenrcnt government
obtains in NpZitn y.,,n ,l1.-, 30 NJ.