Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-03-11
THE CLEAN UP MUST BE THOROUGH

1t was only the expected that happened yesterday
when the president ordered American troops to in
to Mexico and put end to Villa and the ntOerabe
dtons that have existed along the border for year
more.
The killing of Americans in Mexico had been ignored
almost to the verge OF cImlnay. President Wilson had
exhibited patience with Mexico in her troubles that
while prompted by broad sympathy for our neighbor
far from satisfactory to the great majority Of the
American people, They realized fully the difficulties of
the situation well the presidents earnest and honest
efforts to keep this country out of war The United
States much bigger and stronger than Mexico that
it seemed almost cowardly to use force in dealing with
her. Notwithstanding her many abuses of friendship
The attack of an army of bandits on our own people
in their homes and within our territory, was the last
straw act that could not be cOndoned allowed to 90
unpunished Even President Wilson's mmeasurable
fund Of patience exhausted and he has issued orders
that will stop the border troubles for all time That he
has solved the problem correctly in invading Mexico not
as an enemy but as friend to punish murderOus Mex
leans who beyond the control of their govern
ment and much enemy to it to u.s. evidenced
by the unanimous and generous Endorsement of his poll
tca enemies and this too on the eve of presidential
election.
1t speaks we'll for American institutions and American
manhood that when the test comes regardless of party
patriotism is placed above partisansm, and the native
and foreign born, the hyphenated and unhypenaed ct
stand sOldy together in the common interest and
to uphold in stainless honor the flag of common
country.
AS matter of form President Carranza has been
asked permission for United States troops to pursue
Villa in Mexican territory. His answer has not been
received but it is matter of Indifference for Villa will
be eliminated with or without Carranzas consent and
troops will travel such parts of Mexico may
be necessary to accomplish that purpose There will be
no turning back until the brutal murderer is made to pay
far his worthless life pay for the crimes he has
committed
1t would no doubt have been better had more drastic
methods been adopted year more ago. but that is
past matter and cannot be remeded All that be
done to teach the MeXcans such lesson that they
will never forget it. They must be taught while we are
at it that the killing or malteatng an American citizen
or any other non Mexican will meet with and certain
punishment If we are to maintain the Monroe doctrine
whose countries we have notified to keep hands off
America
Mexico, more than any other nation on the Western
continent needs to be taught this lesson and now Is the
time to give her college course in this branch,
If possible Villa should be taken alive and an effort
made to learn from him who has financed his revolution
For time there have been ugly in circulation
to the effect that American money backing him, and
it would be we'll to investigate this rumOr.
If it is true it would not be too high price to pay to
give Villa his life for if true the crime of furnishing him
money to murder American citizens for the purpose of
permitting some other American to gather in fortune
so far over shadows all that he has done that there
comparison only contrast If such an one is found he
they should be given the punishment so richly deserved
by their hired assassin.
Villa sent greeting to the secretary of war yes
terdaV morning thOuphtfuV having his message await