Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-30
Danger From the Southwest

Mo one would be greatly surprised If Car
Y rama. after formal recognition by Con
gross of the existence of a state of war be
tween this country and Germany, should cast
his lot with the Kaiser. That the assistance
rendered might he furtive and unacknowl-
edged. rather than open and frank would be
in accord merely with what we have come TO
expect That any such assistance, furtivc
open. would be consummate folly. certain to
bring terrible retribution. is quite true
but that circumstance serves rather to in
crease than to decrease the probability Of
Mexican opposition to the American cause.
II we have learned anything about Carranza
II is that. In matters international. he is likely
TO take the course which promises. his people
the least real and lasting benefit.
If there should he a formal and aggressive
alliance between Mexico and Germany. what
have We most to apprehend? Not, surely. an
invasion III force. An enterprise OF that sort
might be attempted. but General Pcrshing
would deal with it easily. Even If Mexico
be assumed to have an inexhaustiblc supply
OF mon. difficulties Of transport and supply arc
too great to permit the concentration OF large
forces at any strategic point
Our real danger would be from scattered
raids. made by small bodies of guerrillas and
light troops. on the long frontier that
stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf
of California. TO guard against dcpredations
OF this character, in which the MeXicans are
skilled and OF which they are fond consider
able Earrisons, largely needed elsewhere
would have to be maintained There would
have to be also force in reserve, to meet
the threat of possible invasion In other
words. while we would be able easily TO repel
invasion, we would have to be ready for it,
In this way. without really Offering battle
Mexico would serve Germany. Meantime
however, we would have positive duty to
perform. for it would be necessary for the
United states to se.ic and protect the oil fields
II Tampico, one VI the principal sources of
the British navy's fuel supply. That would
take more men and keep them occupied 1t
would absorb also the energies of part of our
navy. for the attack on Tampico probably
would have to be made by sea as well as by
land
But the principal service Mexico could
'endcr Germany would he to offer submarine
bases and refuCes on the Mexican coast
here has been gossip to the effect that half
a dozen or more German undersea-boats al
ready have crossed the Atlantic and are ready
10 prey on American shipping, along the
American coast. as soon is declared
Mexico could add tremendously to the destruc-
tive efficiency Of these raiders. Instead of
having to return to Germany for munitions.
fuel. provisions and repairs, the submarines
would obtain ALL If Mexico becomes com
PLEASANT, al our very doors.
What tarranza actually will do is known
only TO himself and his advisers but the
course Of action we have outlined as a possi-
hlity is real possibility. 1t is "A real menace
II emphasizes, II emphasis be necessary. this
nations solemn duty to prepare itself for
defense. by calling the young manhood Of the
nation TO the coors Even peace in Europe
may not solve our problem. but may even
increase our difficulties and our dangers
UNIVERSAL service is essential to our sa fctv
ana there should be no delay in providing it,