Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-07-06
cARRANzA coNc1L1AToRY

ITNHB Carranza note is primarily a
Il triumph, whether conclusive or not, for
the South American nations and diplo-
mats, who in this crisis have given a new
meaning TO Pan-Americanism and have
vindicated the craftsmanship OF this hemi-
sphere OF republics II Is secondarily q
recognition Of the broad spirit Of pacifism
in It's highest sense. a pacihsm which is
not poltroonery, but sincere devotion to
the arts Of peace as opposed to the thun-
derous anarchy of war.
The absolute grants, claims or demands
Of the note are Of relatively small impor-
tance in comparison with the spirit Of the
instrument as whole. It is obvious that
the Carranza Government is not spelling
for fight. The truculent attitude is
| gone. In its place is the recognition that
the United States Is reasonable In object
ing to the insecurity Of its frontier. This
implies a readiness to correct the din
Guilty, and a specific proposal for the
establishment Of cantonments is made
Carranza, on the other hand, continues to
insist that the withdrawal of American
troops from Mexican territory is essential
IL the continuance Of friendly relations Is
reasonably to be anticipated.
washington Is not dealing with a pow.
erful nation which is fully competent to
make good its promises. Carranza him.
self is not secure. When rebellion has
flowed through a land 1t requires time
to restore peace and good order. For
ten years after the Civil War there was
commotion and turmoil In the South
While therefore, there has been an actual
state of war existing along the frontier.
and while there have been abundant rea-
sons for sending our armies into Mexico,
1t may we'll be the fine thing for us to
recognize the incapacity of the Carranza
Government, within limits and not expect
from It more than It is physically able
to perform.
But such concession on our part cannot
take the form of acquiescence in the
insecurity Of the border. Indeed, our sole
purpose has been to aid Carranza in the
establishment of normal conditions
along the Rio Grande, and recent diff.
culties were due almost entirely to the
conviction OF this Government that Car.
rama was not sincere in his efforts to
prevent border raids. We can assume
that Washington has no desire to keep
the expeditionary force In Mexican ter
ritory uselessly. Evidence of real pur.
pose on the part of Carranza to protect
the frontier would be welcomed. He can.
not reasonably expect the United States
however. to maintain at enormous cost
great army to guard more than q thou
sand miles of frontier while his own Gov
ernment is negligent in the performance
of Its sovereign duties.
Carranza does not want to fight; neither
do we. Only fool is crazy for a scrap.
There must be q way out. The concilia-
tory tone Of the Mexican note appears to
offer the opportunity. We doubt If 1t
will take the form OF mediation by other
Powers. The national dignity would be
better served by direct negotiations. What
is needed Is a specific and certain agree
ment for the common protection of the
frontier. With that accomplished. the
expeditionary force would not longer be
required.
There is n question broader, however,
than the immediate relations between the
two Governments, and 1t relates TO the
larger interests OF humanity. The con-
servation of natural resources Is not more
important than the use of natural re-
sources. and the interests of humanity
as a whole cannot permit the isolation OF
Mexican territory. When a people have
demonstrated their inability to maintain
a government, they must expect foreign
interference. Mexico owes law and order
not only to her own people, but to all the
other peoples Of the world A nation. no
more than an Individual, has a right to be
a common nuisance.
The situation is still up to Carranza.
His present attitude makes it possible for
the United States to give him another
chance TO make good. He can evade war
and he can rehabilitate his country by
his efforts on the elimina-
ton of the lawless and the establishment
of security for both life and property
within Mexico and along the border, That
done, he will find no sturdier friend than |
the United States which is ready not only |
to lend its moral support to the upbuild. |
ing Of government in Mexico but is also |
prepared to contribute large |
sums OF money to the restoration OF In |
dustry and the promotion of enterprise. |
Our neighbor has been financial and |
moral bankrupt, but the big Brother" of |
the continent is willing to forgive much |
In return for new motive and new pur-
pose on the neighbours part. But the
motive will have to be translated into
to be convincing.