New Britain herald., 1916-06-24
MEXICAN WAR NOT
 A SERIOUS AFFAIR
U. s. Has Unlimited Resources in
 Men and Money
lSpeciaI to the TIerald.)

New York June 24.-Neither the war; yet conditions are such that catastrophe of this sort seems immin- ent To the United States the conse- quences cannot be serious, except in the unnecessary loss of life. Neither the creation of an army of 100000 to 100000 men, nor the expenditure or few hundred millions of dollars will make any decided impression upon the vast resources of the Onteo States. The ratio of costs and losses in war with Mexico would be very much less than in case of the Euro pean war, and no such correspOndlhs outlays for munitions and transporta- ton would be necessary. No serious ll- ternational difficulties are threatened by the Mexican crisis. War or inter- vention might revive the JealOusles or South American States, which we nave been sincerely trying to avoid with partial success, and which should pass away entirely as our southern neigh bors acquire a better understanding of our intentions.
 War might raise some questions concerning our responsibilities to other nations which, like ourselves have large interests in Mexico that would be vitally affected. It is too early, however, to intelligently discuss such problems, and for the time being we are chiefly concerned with imme- date action. We may first anticipate a period of excitement and an adjust from cPfu1 tions. Mobilization of men, war fl- nance, preparations and shipment of munitions will each act as stimulants and promote activity. Optimism is one of the usual concomitants of war; yet it must be remembered that this war, should it really come, will be rela- lively small affair and that in a com paratively short period the country will become accustomed to the new conditions and affairs will go on much as before. How long and how stiff a struggle is to be expected cannot he foretold; nor ought it's difficulties to be underestimated, although the i'm mense superiority of the United States in resources and men indicates but one result-war with Mexico cannot end until order, justice and stable government have been established upon a firm basis. Tn any event the task is a thankless one. Our govern ment has already made it clear that it has no lust of conquest nor terri torial ambitions; a declaration that should be lived up to not only for our own good, but also as an example of good faith and good will between our selves and all South American repub- G matter, since with limited financial resources and difficulty in securing adequate supplies of munitions defeat is doubly Certain.
 Domestic Outlook Good.
 The domestic outlook for business continues encouraging. Yet, there are certain developments and growing drawbacks which should not be over looked. Some slackening of trade has already occurred owing to the exces- sive rise of many commodities. For example, in nearly all metals, which advanced because of the European war; there is a weakening tendency, and it would seem as if the turning point had at last been reached. The steel industry, though active and still in excellent condition, is quieter; de- mand is less urgent, and premiums on quick deliveries have been abandoned. Signs of coming weakness are also Ob- servable in copper, lead, spelter and other minerals, as because of an in crease in output. The same is true of petroleum which must soon feel the consequences of the tremendous de- veIopmen of new wells following in creased consumption and abnormally high prices. These conditions are not wh oily discouraging. On the contrary, they prove progress and activity; also a necessary readjustment to new econ omic conditions, and the fact that SUD- ply is overtaking demand. Many comm oddities had reached a dangerous ly high level, often the result of reck- l less and unsound speculation. The days of extravangant war profits de- rived from big European orders are drawing to a close. At most it is safe to assume that the European war is about tWo-thirds done; and that while | munitiOn orders will not cease sudden | ly, 1t is well to appreciate that hence forth they will play a diminishing part ! in our trade and industrial activities. 1 From now on the industrials, which l benefited so raordinarily from the ! misfortunes of others, must face the l inevitable recessions to more normal 1 conditions.
 Jump in Foreign Trade.
 Peace is not yet in sight; yet the i belief gains that is is not far distant, and with it's approach the forces of | readjustment will receive fresh impe- 1 tus. Whatever slackening there may | be in domestic industry. the convic- ton strengthens that our foreign l trade will make a big forward move l