The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-06-11

motives are suspected, our moral force impaired. and our government stands discredited and friendless among the nations of the world.
 We favor liberal and generous for eign policy, founded upon definite moral and political principles, char acterized by clear understanding of and firm adherence to our own rights. and unfailing respect for the rights of others. We should afford full and ade- quate protection to the life. liberty and property and all interna tional rights of every American citizen and should require a proper respect for the Amer ican flag.
 But we should be equally careful to manifest just regard for the rights of other nations A scrupulous ob- servance of our international engage ments when lawfully assumed is es- sential to our own honor and self-re- spect and the spect of other nations. Subject to a due regard for our inter national obligations, we should leave our country free to develop it's civil ization along the line most conducive to the happiness and welfare of the people and to cast its influence on the side of justice and right should occa- sion require.
 MEXICO
 The ineffective policy of the present administration in Mexican matters has been largely responsible for the con- tinued loss of American lives in that country and upon our border; for the enormous loss of American and foreign property: for the lowering of American standards of morality and social rela- tions with Mexicans; and for the bring ing of American ideals of justice and na tional honor and political integrity into contempt and ridicule in Mexico and throughout the world.
 The policy of wordy. futile. written protests against the acts of Mexican officials, explained the following day by the President himself as being meaningless and not intended to be considered seriously or enforced. has but added in degree to that contempt and has earned for us the sneers and jeers of Mexican bandits and added insult upon insult against our national honor and dignity.
 We should not recognize any Mexican government unless it be a responsible government. willing and able to give suf- ficient guarantees that the lives and property of American citizens are re- spected and protected, that wrongs will be promptly corrected and just compen- saton will be made for injury sustained The republican party pledges itself to a consistent. firm and effective policy to- ward Mexico that shall enforce respe ct for the American flag and that shall protect the rights of American citizens lawfully in Mexico to security of life and enjoyment of property, in connection with an established international law and our treaty rights.
 The republican party is sincere friend of the Mexican people and in it's insist ence upon the maintenance of order for the protection of American citizens within it's borders, a great service will be rendered the Mexican people them selves, for continuation of present con ditions means disaster to their interest and patriotic aspirations.
 We condemn President Wilson for ask ing Congress to empower him to accept mandate for Armenia. The acceptance of such mandate would throw the United States into the very mae:strom of Euro pean quarrels. According to the estimate of the Harbord commission, organized by authority of President Wilson, we would be called upon to send 59,0oo Amer ican boys to police Armenia and to ex- pend s176, 900 in the first year and s756, 600 eco in dive years. This estimate is made upon the basis that we would have only rowing bands to fight, but i'll case of a serious trouble with the TurAs or with Russia, a force exceeding 20o,FQ would be necessary.
 No more striking illustration can be found of President Wilson's disregard or the lives of American boys or American interests.
 We deeply sympathize with the people of Armenia and stand ready to help them In all proper ways. but the republican, party will oppose now and hereafter the acceptance of mandate for, any country in Europe or Asia.