El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-08-25
WHY DRAW TOO FINE A POINT OF
HONOR IN DEALING WITH BANDITS?.

IT IS Up to the United States after years Of having made
Of things in Mexico after years of "hot tra'
expeditions which have done only temporary good either
completely isolate Mexico and let that country commit
slow suicide 20 and clean It up and restore order
and establish BY armed force Mexican government as
representative possible Of all the people and which they
VIII be compelled to support There are Just the two
alternatives.
In the meantime Americans blush with shame that the
greatest nation the world has been felt compelled
nav ransom to Mexican bandits to save two American
citizens from being slaughtered
Once upon time there was an American one John
Eldndge, who remarked in connection with the BaTbary
States imbroglio
millions for defence but not one cent for tribute"
In line with American traditions one wonders what
the United States has been about tolerate across
border, the existence Of condition of outawry which
could make possible the seizure OF two American avaors
It may may not have been dishonorable for Capt
Leonard Matlack to beat the bandits their game
It certainly has been dshonoabe the United States
to allow conditions to arise wherein the payment Of
could be compelled
The Carranza government isn't particularly to blame for
the existence Of this condition Owing fact that we
have bestowed with hand and taken away with the
ohe the Caranzs government has been and IS too
weak successfully cope with brgandage It has been
unable extend its authority than few miles from
any city fortified town In fact although the United
States insisted that Mexico accept Carranzas admnistra
ton that insstence has by brought him en-
dorsement IN his own country Of more than half Of the
people, Notwithstanding that he has been ardent
grngO Halter the most fasdious Mexican could wish
It IS the farmers ranehers miners eatemen and villagers
Of Mexico who don't ike CarIsnza who recruiting the
ranks the revoutonsries and bandits and making
possible the murder Of foreigners and the holding Of
others for
Very likely Of the Carranza forces would do the
thing It not that they convinced Of such
acts would the overthrow Of the Carranza admins
traon by the United States. They prefer not to rock
the boat at time when the waves running high
This Mexican business takes many angles So
that often to wondering if we, Amer
cans still have the "spunk" left in that marked
US as the in the world, if just mis-
represented instead Of represented by those higher up
rather sad commentary American ideals and trad
tons any way you put it.
We even find Maj. Gen. Joseph 7. Dickman, COM
handing the southern department putting too fine point
the with which the United States ought to deal
with gang Of Mexican kdnapers and blsckmailers He
insists that Capt Masck ought to have paid the fun
ransom of $4,000 for procuring the liberation Of aviators
Peterson Davis instead Of rans0mng Peterson and
running off with Davis without paying the laters ransom
According to Gen Diekman's reasoning citizen loses
honor and guilty Of treacherous dealing If when COL
fronted by a thug who demands all his valuables, he
promises to do So keeps his watch in his pocket and
manages to get away with it.
One wonders If the real purpose OF the American expedi
hon in Mexico has not been to down the bandits and
pay them that other $780, incidentally apologizng for
Capt Matacks precpitate flight. Renteria the gentle
cuthroat might vel afford to be gtscous under the cr-
cumstazces and accept our apologies.
Shades Of George Washington Thomas Jefferson and
Theodore Roosevelt Wither are We drifting?
school days dear old golden rule days" viii soon be I
q reality.
It's about time Mr. Hoover was called home to
che @oo5 nroh1er1 over here