Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-02
and energy cannot only be awakened. but
guided and led to achievement through the
proper use OF school hours
Subduing Mexico

ONCE more the American government must
~ turn it's attention to Mexico. 1t must
consider means OF safeguarding the interest
of this country In that republic. 1t must de-
termnc whether or not there is responsible
government in Mexico City, and, IL SO, whether
or not it is responsive to the reasonable de-
mands which are made upon it for the pro-
lection OF the lives and property Of Ameri-
cans. Moreover, Europe is looking to Wash
ington to give protection to British, French
and other foreign interests south of the Rio
Grandc.
How this may be done is difficult ques-
tion to answer. Diplomacy is resorted to
without apparent relief. Pressure is applied
without getting results. Threats made
and warnings given. and yet the weak and
obstinate regime in Mexico City does not act.
1t is quick enough to resent any invasion of
Mexican sovereignty by American troops pur-
suing murderers across the line, but it is
slow to prove to the world that there is any
Mexican sovereignty worthy Of respect 1t
makes great noise over the fact that Mexico
is excluded from charter membership in the
proposed league of nations, but gives not the
slightest evidence of qualification for such
membership.
The successive disorders, murders, destruc-
ton of properties. outrages, revolutions and
other disturbances south of the line lead
to wonder how much longer this country can
not to the taste of the American people. 1t
would be expensive in money outlay and in
lives lost 1t might mean the indefinite oc-
cupation OF foreign territory, and a nation
that has just emerged from the grea test Of
all wars, which has just expended S30.0O0,-
600, 600 to finance it and has casualty list
of nearly quarter OF a million men, can feel
sudden or resistless impulse to plunge i'm
mediately into another conflict.
Yet the country and the government owe
duty to the Americans who have every right
TO live in Mexico and who have invested for
tunes in that country. Germany was punished
for numbering Americans the high seas
and for sinking our ships contrary to inter-
national law and international right, and yet
Mexico has been permitted for eight years to
practice the same outrages with impunity.
Twice American forces have invaded it's ter
ritory in force. Much oftener smaller bodies
of our troops have crossed the line to avenge
murder, but this has not mattered to Mexico.
1t has not brought it to its senses. 1t has
effected no change in the character of that
country Of its government.
Be that as il may. military intervention is
not thing to be considered lightly now any
more than it was three years ago six years
ago. The fact that the United States has
become great military nation does not
change the situation. The life OF the Ameri-
can soldier is just as precious now as it was
when there were not more than 100000 Of
them in the regular army. Men should not
he sent to their death now with any less re-
luctance than before this nation raised and
armed 100000 OF them
General Leonard Wood argues that with
10000 men he could clean up Mexico. The
general staff says that 100000 men will he
needed to conquer pacify and occupy Mexico.
This indicates that it is a serious thing to
propose and plan for military Intervention:
That must not be resorted to except as a last
desperate expedent.