The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1919-09-27
Relations With Mexico Strained
When U. S. Troops Cross Bor-
der in Chase of Bandits.
CARRANzA PROTEST FUTILE
President Wilson Discusses Peace
Treaty With Senate Foreign ReIa-
tions Committee, Without Wis
bie ResuIt--Progress of
the War on ProfiteerS
and Hoarders.
BY EDWARD w. PIcKARD.

Relations with Mexico fiared up
again alarmingly last week and the
amateur and unofficial prophets freely
predicted that we would be at war
with our southern neighbor within a
short time Once more American
troops have crossed the border, with
out asking permission Of Carranza, for
the purpose Of capturing Mexicans
who have committed outrages against
American citizens and for whose ac-
lions the whiskered one says he can
not be held responsible.
The capture and holding for ransom
Of the two army aviators who had lost
-tfrefr way was rffe ACT OF small band
Of bandits, but the administration at
Washington shows a 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 a 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 we're
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 Bonlllas entered
protest against the invasion" and de-
manded the immediate withdrawal Of
the troops. The reply, drafted by Pres
ldent Wilson, was fiat 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 feeling that unless 1t
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-
tion 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,
but 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: II ordinary COM
mon sense is used in reading the
treaty and covenant they are unnec-
essary 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