South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-07-06
OUR EXPERIENCE OVER MEXICO.

It looks now. from the conciliatory tone of
Carranzas note as though the beginning the
end that cloud moving toward Mexico had
passed. Possibly the chief thought view
Of having been or less easy with him in
times past. he could blun entirely but took a
different when he spied those American troops
headed for the border Undoubtedy. too. our Latin
American neighbors had something do with bringing
the presidential gentleman to mis- senses Whatever
may have been the influence that overcame Carranza
however the incident has been of value to our
selves. 1t has helped us discover that while
all pretty big takers for preparedness that
sort of thing when facing hght, the most
OF prefer to do 1T long with mouths
and that for commancers-n- chief. and generals by
the absent method. and knowing exactly where other
men soldiers ought TO be stationed. have the
whole world backed of into the frog-pond.
stiu we have learned that we can raise men, in an
emergency. and that about loo. Of the whole
aggregation of us least of that fat-footed
or cigarette-hearted school of delnquents the
army refuses entertain And from somewhere. too,
have discovered that the government able to
produce the guns to equip these ditto, the ammu-
milton and could have taken of that many more
had the been needed. Likewise Il machine guns.
that the preparedness howlers were allow
ing us possess. developed quickly ma
chine guns for New York and Illinois troops alone.
while there was delay in getting the guardsme
tn" smaller necessities of war rather than in the
lareer ones Clothing. food ammunition hospital
equipment. the things that have been least
inclined 10 worry about. the things OF which We
found ourselves TO be the most in need.
And Why were there not sufficient OF these supplies
on hand for the emergency, Because. as usual CON
gress had not provided the money to buy them is
AL part Of the nveterate policy by which congress.
since the civil while fails appro-
pirate liberal millions for pensions public buildings and
dredging work holds back much possible from
the army and navy and forces them to out hand
to-mouth existence
Not that congress has failed the past large
TO the army and navy; il has been generous as
far as totals are concerned But it has haggled and
bungIed specifyinE the purposes for which the
money should be expended. squanderng millions on
military posts unstrategic naval stations
because they meant patrcnase apparently grudg-
Ing every dollar was TO go for reserve supplies
Of ammunition. clothing. food and equipment
The deficiency military bnl" reported June 27 car
RED &26oce0oo. most Of which according impartial
Washington dispatches intended for the purchase
things which. according any rational reserve sys
tenn. would have been already in stock.
why were there not more mules ready Because
mules Feat their heads Off" and it has always been
the nggardy plan OF congress keep as few Of them
as possible why were there not more shoes stored
in convenient depots2 Because shoes kept in stock
deteuorate and carrying surplus is expensive II
been the with clothing and with foodstufs The
quarternaster general is said 20 have what ne
could keeping always file blank contracts from
manufacturers and estimates checked up day by day
But he wasn't able TO start buying what he needed
-szdi The mobilization order had actual been issued