Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-27
Warming to Mexico

Q ECRETARY LANSING'S protest against
~ certain provisions proposed for ncor-
poration III the new Mexican Constitution is
in direct furthcrancc OF this governments re-
Gently announced policy toward Mexico In
the future. Carranza has made it impossible
for the President to continue his policy Of
hopcfulness and helpfulncSs. and has COM
PEELED the adoption OF Il strictly formal atti-
tude toward the Mexican government and
people. The note of the Secretary of State
is the first step in that new policy
In effect. it puts the dc facto government
on notice that this country will not submit
to laws or constitutional amendments which
VIII deprive foreigners OF their just and rea-
Sonablc rights of person and property Ii is
clea'ly within the province of Mexican al-
'hority to declare that aliens shall not hold
land. for example but it is not within the
right Of any law-making body TO adopt meas
nrcs providing for contscation without COM
pcnsation after land and other property have
hccn acquired III conformity with laws then
existing. Nor will the right OF any executive
TO exercise his whim III cNpclling persons from
the country without appeal and without rca-
son. be recognized by this government
With this warning. the de facto government
is held at arms length by this country and
Is notified that the contemplated provisions
are uiSapprored. So far as appears. no threat
mas been made but the Carranza government
Will enact these provisions into law with full
understanding mat their terms will not be
recognized lawful by this government
The necessary implication is also clear: this
country will not permit the operation of
SUCH laws 10 work injustice to Americans and
cohhScation OF their property. This situation
and It's possibilities are serious enough hut
still further complications may enter and
must he considered
Indications are not lacking that this gov
eminent soon may he confronted with an
other Mexican problem. which will add to
'he perpleNities OF the whole situation. 1t is
apparent that Villas strength has steadily
srowE until he is "a national force. Car
ranZas weakness and inefliciency have per
mitted his development from bandit into a
formidable revolutionary leader And it is
pretty we'll evident that Villa is only awaiting
the withdrawal OF General Pershing's column
10 engage III still more vigorous opera lions
against the de facto government
II is not impossible that these operations
VIII. IN the course of time. result in the
overthrow OF Carranza. Already. there is
something like division of power in North
ern Mexico. and there is grave reason TO fear
that Villas Influence is still growing, while
there is little reason to hope that Carranza's
strength is keeping pace with that OF his op-
ponent II these forebodings are Justified
TINS government Will have another Iluerta
case 10 deal with, and one more aggravated
than that.
iiuerta was murderer and tvrant.
Wherefore this government refused him recog-
milton Villa is all that and more: he is a
fugitive from the justice of this country
Carrying speculation To its last conclusion
but not beyond the range OF the possible-be
may become ruler OF Mexico. In that event.
all the difficulties that have arisen hereto
lore would be as calm before the storm.