New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-30
THE JOB In MEXICO
After the Military Task Administrative
Work Would Long Remain.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: Upon the suppostion that the United
States will be forced TO take drastic action
in Mexico many people are saying that our
task will be constabulary job" Just what
that means is not properly understood by
those who give expression to the idea.
Before we reach the stage where our ad-
ministrative energies and the services Of our
troops will be devoted to "police work" or
keeping order in the neighboring republic our
men have serious work before them. 1t would
be folly to belittle the magnitude of the task
or TO scoff at the difficulties to be overcome.
But, knowing them and appraising the OBJ
stacles at their proper value, we are able 70
appreciate the huge proportions OF the opera
tions. If once this country gets started on
the job we will, of course. finish il, and do
i. thoroughly. Conditions there have become
intolerable. and something must be done TO
restore order. Clearly the improvement can
not come from within" and hence the work
in some form devolves upon us. Cooperation
Of the other South American republics would
be desirable if they could be induced TO Join.
A comparatively recent precedent for com
bined intervention is found in the Boxer up
rising in China. On that occasion all the
great powers, including the United States,
contributed their quota of soldiers.
History tells US that disturbances like those
which beset our neighbor on the south are
invariably fomented and kept in motion by a
few individuals. who are not, as a rule, act
uated by patriotic fervor alone. The selfish
element predominates Mexico has had more
than a reasonable share of these leaders"
who have exploited that fair land on almost
every conceivable pretext.
Before we can accomplish anything worth
while in Mexico the official military ele-
ment there must be shorn of its power for
evil. Then our real task begins. To restore
order out of chaos is one thing-to maintain
il effectively is another matter. This is espe-
cially true of population not wholly IN sym
pathy with the efforts and motives put in mo-
ton on their behalf. Left alone-that is, II
not made restless by military freebooters-
the peon will not be difficult TO satisfy or TO
control. but the element that is sure 10 resent
our Intervention will give trouble so long as
the opportunity is open for doing il.
commission form of government would
seem to be ideal for that unhappy country.
Should it be supplemented by an advisory
council appointed by other friendly nations,
many of the grave problems that a single
executive head must face would be climl-
mated Until a reasonable degree Of govern
mental stability can be shown Mexico cannot
hone for monetary aid from the outside. OF
course time will be needed 70 bring the re-
form about and the more time used N eff
fecting il the poorer the financial situation
must become. Conflicting grants and revoca-
tions of concessions by the various admins
trations since Diaz help 10 make an awkward
situation still more difficult. IL is desirable
70 consider these matters because they have a
direct relation 20 the work have 20 per
form il we are forced TO act
Obviously il will take a long time TO eman-
cipate Mexico from her present thraldom. II
will not do 10 perform the work half-heart-
edly or only half do it. Upon the character
Of our work will rest the welfare Of Mexico
for generations TO come. Let US hope in the
not distant future We may be able 10 point
with pride to Cuba, the Philippines and Mex
leo as shining examples Of our benefcent
sltruistic exertions in their behalf; that, due
10 our guidance, they had severally attained
a high station among nations; for the wise
exercise Of their new freedom and indepen-
dence there was every reason 20 be ssnguine.
New capital will enter Mexico when condi-
tions there justify il. The upbuildng of the
rejuvenated republic will not lack for assist
ance Of the right sort. But capital VIII no
longer consent TO be entirely subject TO the
will and caprice of an individual dictator or
military chieftan who proudly vaunts OF his
honor" but fails to exhibit any tangible evil
dences Of its possession. Capital, and plenty
OF il, will be forthcoming when Mexico is IN
shape 10 use II advantageously. British and
American investors have become tired Of hav-
ing their vested interests sacrificed. Our
present stake in Mexico, measured IN hard
American dollars, IS very large. Estimates
put our Investments in mineral, transporta-
ton. agricultural and other enterprises there
as nigh a. s70OO00,O0O, but these financial
combinations WI not be the moving cause