San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-09-02
SAN ANTONIO'S CUE

1t goes without saying that the re.
sumption of diplomatic relations with
Mexico will stimulate trade between that
country and the United States. Equally
obvious should be the fact that San An
tonic should make the most of her nat
ural opportunity to serve both nations
as commercial gateway. Heretofore,
however, too much has been taken for
granted, and consequently artificial fac
tors have crept into the situation.
Mexico and her citizens have availed
themselves in many circumstances OF adj
vantages offered by San Antonio, and
have had many occasions to learn that
this city's attitude toward them is one
of unreserved hospitality. San Anton
ians were among the first, if not the
very first, to urge recognition of Presi-
dent Obregon's government Now this
city should be the first to reassert, as
a celebration Of the resumption of diplo-
matte relations, the goodwill which
Texans in general have consistently en-
tertained toward Mexico and the Obre-
gon regime.
Latin peoples, themselves more demon
strative than some others, are influ-
enced by repeated expressions of friend
ship. On such occasions as that created
by the full recognition which the Cool
idge administration has accorded the
Oregon regime, the Mexicans would,
however, be possessed of less sentiment
than that characteristic even of Ameri-
cans if they should not expect their
friends in this country to extend them
hearty congratulations quite apart from
official expressions by our government
officials.
If such congratulations should be
withheld now, when an end long profess
sedly desired by San Antoians has at
last been attained, the people of Mexico
might regard the omission as an inten-
tional slight-and then artificial factors
which have been resigned to turn trade
from its natural course through this city
would have a chance of becoming ef-
fective.
1t is not sufficient, even among indi-
viduals, merely to assume that old bonds
of friendship are secure That is form
of neglect, and neglect may be inter
preted as negligence, and negligence is
not easily forgiven. To make the most
Of the opportunity afforded by the happy
turn in International affairs it is not
necessary for San Antonio to become
self-assertive in a blatant4.way. Our
friendly attitude toward Mexico and
Mexicans and the commercial advan-
tages we offer them are old matters of
fact; but there has come a new occasion
for placing them in modestly conspicuous
evidence-not merely because failure to
do so might be interpreted as con-
scious slight and thus produce conse-
quences adverse to our material interests.
but because we are Mexico's nearest
neighbor and therefore would owe her
that courtesy even if there were no pros
pect OF our being beneficiaries of Our own
graciousness.
Someone has suggested that San An
tonic send delegation to Mexico to join
the people OF that country in the cele-
bration of recognition" The sugges-
ton is certainly worth considering. But
in whatever form the people of San
Antonio express themselves, they should
lose no time before taking advantage of
the legitimate opportunity which is now
knocking at their door.