The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-08-26
A BIG ARMY

Army experts, with whom Secretary Baker somewhat reluct-
antly agrees, think we should have a standing army OF $4,000
men, and universal military training for the Young men Of
America. At any other time this would probably be called
Prussianizlng the country, but conditions are such that a large
army is necessary, The pacnists and theorists have had one
taste OF unpreparedness, and it is not likely that they are anxious
Tor another. War is not a lost art, and the wise ones believe
that the future will see conflicts as we'll as the past. The ven
cradle Hobbies many years ago declared that wal is mans natural
condition, and that peace is merely a breathing spell in which
to prepare for future wars. Because OF our entrance into world
politics, every time there is a dog fight anywhere in the world,
this country will be disconnected. We can depend on Eng
land as our friend. We are her meal ticket in time OF stress.
But we may have work OF our own TO do, and it might be well
TO prepare for evenualites. They may be sudden and serious.
Nithal, we do not wish to become or TO be considered a military
nation, ready FOR a fight any moment, Nor do we wish this to
become a Prussianized nation, Preparedness is only prudence
and forehandedness, and our military experts ought to know best
what is wise and necessary. We must depend on their advice
and guidance. Affairs on the Mexican border are not serene,
and now that a detachment has crossed the line other detach-
ments. may find il necessary to follow. The situation must be
dealt with firmly and vigorously, Bringing back one-half Of the
ransom promised Tor the two aviators may be considered a smart
Yankee trick, but it will not set we'll with the American people,
who prefer keeping faith at all hazards, even with bandits. 1t
is an ugly mess, and may be the beginning OF serious and long
drawn-out complications. 1t was not stated whether the kid
napers were Nilistas or Carranzistas or the followers OF some
new and independent patriot who has arisen in the name OF God
and liberty, 1t will go hard with Americans in Mexico, who are
at the mercy of these bandits, and there can be no assured secur-
nv until the monerels are wiped out. This may be done by the
detachment that has just crossed over, or it may require addi-
tional forces. A gentle slap on the wrist Will not DO Inc
expedition should be punitive, and the leaders especially should
be brought to- book Patience and palavering have their place
An end must come, and the %murderous scoundrels punished,
The loss OF the expected S,5O VIII be mourned by the Danults'
and. we may. be sure. by Carranza as we'll, who was evidently
waiting for his bit OF the Doodle.
Americans along the border will be in peril for some time
On the American side are many Mexican mericans, who pro-
iusely profess loyalty, but who are at heart bandits, and who
are willing to encourage and assist their kinsmen across the
line whenever and wherever they can. A big army, forsooth!
We may need it, We may need it now. Chasing bandits over
the arid mesas and through forest Businesses is no ehild's play,
and it will require soldiers and equipment, Pershing is not
here, but other P~ershings will arise to lead our troops. II the
end is begun the sooner that it is reached the better. 1t is time
a settlement was made. Far better to have a finish fight, with
peace and tranquility following, than to have our border cii-
zens harassed and hectored by sniping and stealthy savages
who cannot be dealt with save as wild animals. Invading a
country with armed forces means war, and to all intents and
purposes we are at war with Mexico now. 1t is useless to look
away from the facts that are staring us in the face. The situa-
ton is critical, and there is no way out OF the trouble but by
going through with it to the bitter end, wherever that may be.
Villa and Carranza may now join hands and make common
cause. They are as one in their hatred OF this country.
We may be sure that Germany is not idle in this business.
The opportunity is too ~prophious to be overlooked, and we may
be equally sure that Japan is not blind to the situation. Mexico
is the Achilles heel Of this continent, which we are pledged to
protect and supervise, and to do so we need an army and a navy
just as our military and naval experts say we do, speaking with
authority.