The Topeka state journal., 1916-08-01
DAILY STATE JOURNAL-TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 1916

side of the border. and that the export of
i forbidden. But in February, 1911, she
embargo was restored. In May, 1914, 1t
was explained that the embargo did not
Mexican ports, and ammunition for Car
rama was subsequently landed at Tampito-
lifted ep.emper n io1 the he em9arg' bere
upon military supplies reached both villa
and Carranza. In October, 1915, an en-,
| barge was declared on all exports of
arms except to the adherents of Carranza.
There was an utter absence of consistent
policy.
For a time we bestowed friendship on
Villa Ultimately recognized Carranzl.
not on the ground that he had con-
de facto government. The complete fail
ure to secure protection to American citi-
Of the rs o3 IN fse
In which he thus described the conditions
that have obtained during the past three
years:
For three years the Mexican republic
has been torn with civil strife; the lives
of Americans and other aliens have been
ac1ificed; vast properties developed by
American capital and enterprise have been
destroyed or rendered non-productive;
will through the the territory .Se contiguous to
punishment OF without effective. attempt
while the lives of citizens Of the United
States who ventured to remain in Mexican
/ territory or TO return there TO prOiecL
| their interests have been taken, in some
! cases barbarously taken, and the murderers
have neither been apprehended nor brought
| to justice 1t would be tedious to
recount instance after instance. outrage
after outrage, atrocity after atrocity. to
5ne true nafo1e an ana 81
and violence which have prevailed
/ Punitive Expedition.
The Santa Ysabel massacre. the raid at
Columbus. the bloodshed at Carrizal. are
frQa In ,ir1dz hn nj q
We sent thin line of troops hundreds
railway. neither of which we were allowed
to use and which we did not feel at iiber-
to enter the towns. Though thus restrict
ed. the enterprise was still regarded by the
Mexicans as menace. Our troops faced
our men fell at Carrizal. What other re-
suit could be expected? We were virtually
plishing our purpose we have been with
drawing and we are now endeavorfng to
safsguard our own @ teri territory The entire tire
many thousands of our citizens have been
taken from their peaceful employment and
ministration to seize and punish villa
for his outrage on our soil. 1t has not
re apd futype are m on
to be determined by a joint commission
ne Ma9co has % no policy Of gor
part of her territory. We wish her to
have peace. stability and prosperity We
should be ready to aid her in binding up
her wounds in relieving her from starva-
ton and distress, and in giving her in
disinterested friendship. The conduct Of
this administration has created difficulties
which we shall have to surmount. We
lessly created by that conduct and to de-
velop genuine respect and confidence. We
Of % ana %hieR
alone We can promote an enduring friend
citizens and the security of our border
from depredations. Much will be gained If
Mexico Is convinced that we contemplate
no meddlesome interference with what
does not concern us. but that we propose
to insist list In firm and m candid manner
legations. To a stable government, appro-
priately discharging its international du-
A short period period Of firm ms Consistent pp and
friendly dealing will accomplish more than
many years OF vacillation. 1g9a
Strong Patriotic Position.
In this land of composite population.
drawing its strength from every race. the
national security demands that there shaI
greater the danger of decisive influences. |
the greater Is the necessity for the unity |
ing we spone and
policies, intrigues. no secret schemes. |
We are unreservedly, devotedly. whole |
the rallving point for all Americans. Tint |
is my position. I stand for the unfIinch- |
ing maintenance of all American rights on
we have had clear and definite mission
as great neutral nation. 1t was for rs
to maintain the integrity of interna tional |
law: to vindicate our rights as neutrals:
to protect the lives of citizens. their |
Putting aside any question as to the
highest possibilities of moral leadership in |
law of nations in connection with the |
European war, at least we were entitled |
to the safeguarding of American rights.
But this has not been secured We have |
had brave words in series of notes. but |
despite our protests the lives of Americans
have been destroyed. What does it avail |
to use some of the strongest words known |
to diplomacy If ambassadors can reeei-e |
the impression that the words are moi, to
the strength and resolution behind the /
words that count.
Prevention.
The chief function of diplomacy Is pre-
vention; but In this our diplomacy failed. |
doubtless because of its impaired credit !
back words with action. Had this govern |
ment. by the use of both Informal AMI
formal ona diplomatic left no
ability" we meant precisely what SAID |
and that we should -unhesitatingly vindi- |
there would have been no destruction of I
American lives by the. sinking of the
in fact, published notice Furthermore
we knew the situation and we did not re- /
amire specific f6,no notice. Instead Of whiting
converse tions. we needed the straight Ill |
rect and decisive representations which |
every diplomat and foreign office would |
understand. l believe that in this way we |
should have been spared the repeated as /
saults on American lives. Moreover. a I
firm American policy would have been |
strongly supported by our people and the
opportunities for the development of bitter /
feeling would have been vastly reduced.
Weakness and Indecision.
1t is great mistake to say that reso-
luteness in protecting American rights |
would have ed to Rather, In that
course lay the best assurance of peace.
Weakness and :ndecision in the mainte-
naEce of known rights are always sources |
of grave danger; they forfeit respect AMI |
invite serious wrongs, which in turn create
an uncomfortable popular resentment. That