Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1919-08-28
Relations With Mexico Strained
When U. S. Troops Cross Bor-
der in Chase of Bandits.
CARRANzA PROTEST FUTILE
President Wilson Discusses Peace
Treaty With Senate Foreign Rela-
tions Committee, Without Wis
ible Resut--Proeress OF
the War on Profiteers
and Hoarders.
BY EDWARD w. PIcKARo.

Relations with Mexico fiared up
again alarmingly last week and the
amateur and unofficial prophets freely
predicted that we would be at war
with our southern neighbor within a
short time. Once more American
troops have crossed the border, with
out asking permission of Carranza, for
the purpose OF capturing Mexlcans
who have committed outrages against
American citizens and for whose ac-
tons the whiskered one says he can
not be held responsible.
The capture and holding for ransom
of the two army aviators who had lost
their way was the act Of small band
Of bandits, but the administration at
Washington shows a growing inclina-
tion to step across the border and
clean things up" If the federal govern
ment of Mexico cannot do the job. It
appears that a stern warning was Is
sued some. time ago 20 Carranza, to
which he replied AT length, stating that
his government would do and was do
ing all in it's power to protect the lives
and property of foreigners In Mexico.
In this case of the captured aviators--
who were released on payment of part
of the ransorn--federal troops we're
sent after the offenders The Ameri-
can punitive expedition consisted of
part of the Eighth cavalry, aided by
some army flyers They caught two
| bandits and killed four others who
opened fire on them when surrounded.
Under instructions from his govern
ment, Ambassador Bonilas entered
protest against tho invasion" and de-
manded the immediate withdrawal Of
the troops. The reply, drafted by Pres
| ident Wilson, was fiat refusal to
comply with the demand. The
press of Mexico City was aroused to
| loud protest. One or two Of the pa
/ pers there, however realize the seri-
! BUSINESS Of the situation that has been
created by the numerous outrages
against foreigners and admit that un-
4 less Carranza radically changes his
policies he will invite disaster to him
1 self and to Mexico.
/ In the United States Indignation is
/ by no means confined to the border
/ states or to those who have suffered,
financially or otherwise, at the hands
/ Of the Mexicans The demand Is gem
/ eral that our government give Ia
American citizens everywhere the full
I protection TO which they are entitled,
4 and there is a feeling that unless il
I does so our membership In the
/ League Of Nations would be farcical.
Which brings us to the second great
event Of the week the unprecedented
meeting Of the senate committee on
foreign relations with President Wilson
IN the White House for the eluclda-
ton Of many points In connection
with the peace treaty and league
covenant. In accordance with the
desires Of both parties. the entire
proceedings were given full publicity
but a study Of them and Of the subse-
quent comments Of the participants
does not show that much was accom-
pllshed in the way Of removing the OBJ
stacles 10 ratification Of the treaty
Mr.. Wilson made long preliminary
statement 70 the senators and then an.
swered their many questions with all
/ frankness. His position regarding
interpretations and reservations might
/ be summarized thus If ordinary com
mon sense ~ used In reading the
treaty and covenant they are unnee.
! essary: If they merely accompany the
act Of ratification there Is no objec
ton TO them; but IL they are made q
part of the resolution Of ratification
long delays would result because all