The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1919-08-07

visit him at the White House to dis
cuss the treaty. Senator McCumber,
North Dakota, an outstanding support
er of the treaty and the league, was
the first caller Thursday. Senator Colt,
Rhode Island, was the second.
What shall be done with Mexico:
This question almost rivals the League
of Nations in interest. Nobody seems
ready with complete program, but
official Washington is guessing that
something will be done soon. Re
ports come from abroad that the adj
ministration is pledged to interven-
ton. This is officially denied.
Wednesday Mrs. John w. Cornell,
arrived in Washington with her ia
therless son. She hopes to meet the
president. A list Of ITO Americans
murdered in Mexico since 1915 was
made public by the National Associa-
ton for the Protection of American
she was leading the ghosts of the 500
Americans who had been murdered in
Mexico since 1910.
The exclusion of Mexico from the
League of Nations was based upon
the ground that it had been unable to
give proof of intention to observe in
ternational obligations. Aside from
the murder of foreigncrs-human life
is cheap these days-money matters
will probably force action. Americans
have about $685., 100000 invested in
Mexico Great Britain about S670,000,-
600; France about $2S5, 100000; Spain,
Holland and other countries about
$685. 100000.
Great Britain and France hold the
United States responsible for the Mex
lean situation, under the Monroe doc
trine and under the policy pursued
since 1910. They want Mexico put In
position so that this property will not
be cOnfscated and payment will be re-
sumed on national and other debts.
In short, every indication points to a
probable Intervention by the United
States, acting as mandatory for the
League Of Nations. The alternative
which is unthinkable-is that for
eign nations will be allowed to inter-
vene, in spite Of the Monroe doctrine.
President Wilson has vetoed the. ag-
ricultural appropriation bill, giving as
his reason the fact that included in it
was section repeating the daylight
saving law. Debates in congress indi-
cate that the farmers were all against
the law, and bombarded congress,
while the rest Of the country favored
the law--and did nothing to support
it. Aside from the actual merit of the
law, students of government approve
the veto on the ground that legisla-
ton of this kind is vicious. Leglsla-
ton by rider is never necessary, and is
favored only By legislators who want
to avoid responsibility. The house
failed to pass the bill over the veto.
Proceedings In congress seem to in
dictate that the present "dry' spell will
be prolonged and unrelieyed. There
are several preliminaries to the term
nation of wartime prohibitions
they all take time. First the treaty
must be ratified. Then peace must be
proclaimed. Finally complete demo-
bilization of the army must be
achieved Apparently the length of
the dry spell depends largely upon how
Germany and other countries behave.
Don't think for moment that the
high cost of living Is not receiving its
share Of attention these days. The
federal trade commission has reported
an approaching domination by the
pa ckers of all important foods in the
United States. The department Of
Justice has begun the investigation of
sS1OOOOO,OO0 food combine" among
the Gamers. Several resolutions have
been introduced in the house within
the week calling for congressional in
vestigation into prices and the cost
of living. People who moved out rath-
er than submit to an increase in rent,
have found all the furniture storage
warehouses full, with waiting lists.
In At leading cities in q states 80
per cent of all the household storage
sIace is occupied. And finally, "the
apex of our woe, it now costs more to
save our dough'-which is to say that
ar least one bank has raised the price
Of safety deposit boxes 80 cents
year.
In the meantime, If anyone lacks ex-
citing reading, the newspapers are full
of every possible variety and size of
strike, with more in prospect.