Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-01-26
A Gesture of AmltY.

In the adoption UNANIMOUSLY oL TIC
Robinson resolution regarding arbltra-
ton of the existing differences be-
tween the United States and Mexico,
the Senate has merely reaffirmed the
established policy of this Government
with respect to the settlement OF Is
sues arising with foreign countries.
The principle of arbitration is a part
of the fundamental practice OF the
United States. 1t has been consistent
" followed in all cases which have not
involved questions of national honor
and integrity. 1t will be followed here
after. 1t requires no restatement.
In dealing with the Mexican situa-
ton the administration has pursued
the course laid down by the American
Government in all cases involving the
rights of American nationals in for
eign countries. BY the adoption Oh
new laws Mexico has menaced the
nronerties of Americans in that coun-
try. Confscation is threatened. I'M
mense values are put in jeopardy
The Government at Washington mas
notified that at Mexico City that 1t
cannot tolerate such confiscatlon.
From this statement of the American
position has been deduced by some
the conclusion that military measures
would be invoked in case Mexico per-
sisted in pursuit of the course to
which the United States has objected.
A ''war scare" has been developed,
but without justification. There has
been no single action by this Govern
ment indicating the purpose to apply
force to Mexico at the present or any
Immediately following stage of the
case. 1t could not with justice resort
to arms before all possible means of
settlement were exhausted without re-
suits satisfactory to the national sense
OF equity and fairness. From Mexico
have come suggestions of arbitration.
From the Senate now comes a reitera-
ton of the established principle of
arbitration. Thus the case moves to-
ward adjudication.
The unanimously adopted express
sion of the Senate is by no means to
be regarded as a mandate to the adj
ministration to yield to injustice
rather than resort to war if only
through war can the rights of Ameri-
can nationals in Mexico be protected.
1t starts with the statement that 'by
virtue of. sovereignty the duty de-
wolves upon this Government to pro-
tect the lives and property of it's ma
tionals in foreign countries, which
duty is not to be neglected or disre-
garded." A suggested amendment to
the effect that "such protection should
not go to the extent of using the
armed forces of the United States
without the consent of Congress" was
properly ignored by the Senate.
Arbitration of the issues with Mex
leo will not necessarily involve the
submission of the principle which is
stated in the first clause of the Sen
ate resolution just quoted. That prin.
ciple cannot be submitted to arbitra.
ton. But the Interpretation of the
national law of Mexico as it affects
American rights to such an impartial
and international judgment can be
submitted, and that would naturally
be the scope of the reference.
Adoption of this resolution by the
Senate, though 1T may be merely a re
statement OF an established principle
will perhaps have its good effect, in
demonstrating TO the Mexican govern.
ment that the United States stands
ready to deal with it fairly and upon
the basis of international equity. AS q
matter of fact, no such assurance was
requisite so far as the intentions OF
this Government We're concerned. But
IL the measure yesterday adopted has
a palliative effect upon the nerves OF
alarmists, on either side of the Rio
Grande, it viii prove to have beer
justified as a gesture of amity.