The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1919-09-11
Bv EDWARD w. PIckARp.

Relations with Mexico flared up
again alarmingly last week and the
amateur and unofficial prophets freely
predicted that we would be at war
with our southern neighbort within
short time. Once more American
troops have crossed the border. with
out asking permission of Caryanza, for
the purpose of capturing Mexicans
who have committed outrages against
American citizens and for whose ac-I
tons the whiskered one says he cam
not be held responsible.
The capture and holding for ransom
of the two army aviators who had lost
their way was the act of a small band
of bandits, but the administration at
Washington shows growing inclina
ton to step across the border and
clean things up" if the federal govern
ment of Mexico cannot do the job. 1t
appears that stern warning was is
sued some time ago to CarranZa, to
which he replied at length, stating that
his government would do and was do
ing all in its 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 ranSom-federal troops were
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 Bonillas entered
protest against the invasion" and de-
manded the immediate withdrawal of
the troops. The reply, drafted by Pres
ident Wilson, was flat 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 I'M
less Carranza radically changes his
policies he will invite disaster to him
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 gen.
eral that our government give to
American citizens everywhere the full
protection to which they are entitled,
and there is a feeling that unless it
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 elucida-
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,
bat a study of them and of the subse-
quent comments Of the participants
does not show that much was accom-
plished in the way of removing the OBJ
stacles to ratification of the treaty.
Mr.. Wilson made long preliminary
statement to 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 is used in reading the
treaty and covenant they are unnec-
esssry; If they merely accompany the
act Of ratification there is no objec-
ton to them; but if they are made a
part of the resolution of ratification,
long delays would result because all