The Dominion WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1914,
BANDIT WAR IN MEXICO
The civilised world is just now . wondering how' long the Government of the United States can permit the present state of anarchy and bloodshed to continue in Mexico. The latest cablegrams indicate that matters are going from bad to worse, and it _ is generally believed that araed intervention is .imminent. It is much easier to get into war than to get out of itj and President Wilson's policy of watching and waiting would have a good deal to comniena it if there was reasonable ground for hoping that peace would be restored in the near future' without outside intervention; but Hubma and his rivals have been fighting for over a year, and even if Villa should succeed in. overthrowing the present regime it is very doubtful whether a man of his stamp %vould establish a better administration. If the United States Government claims the right to police, the American Continent, it ought to do its work properly, and tho statement by President Wilson that a country of the size and power of the United States can afford to wait just as long as pleases cannot be regarded as satisfactory by foreigners m Mexico whoso lives and property arc in serious danger. The mtirdcr of Mr. Bbntqn, a British subject, caused an outburst of indignation a few weeks ago, aftd now a bishop is being held for ransom on the understanding that if the money is not.forthcoming. he will be crucified on Good f riday.. It is also stated that some six hundred Spaniards are to be dc- , ported ana-their property confiscated, _ President Wilson lbs a per-. feet right to remind those people who contend that, the time for forcible intervention has fully eome ■ that war is a very serious matter; but the fact remains that if tho state of chaos in Mexico is permitted to continue nnieh longer, the influence of the Monroe Doctrine must be considerably diminished. Itis not surprising to learn that foreigners in Mexico are becoming pessimistic, and that foreign Govern-' tnents which have interests in the ■ country are becoming . impatient. I The British Government has delifaer- i
atejy refrained from any action that might cause embamssftvent to the authorities at Washington, and its restraint and moderation hav« been admitted by the American Press; but this unwillingness to force the band of the United States ought not to be regarded as a sign of indiffer-
ence, Touching on this phase of the question, the' ton don Times remarks:—
Americans have taken the mnnlcr of a number oC their citizens so quietly that many at" them tic not seei» to ifad«?rstßii<l em , - indignation over the death of Beiiton. One thing only trili 1 satisfy us v ami that is a complete, 'swelling examination into the xleed uisd the exemplary ptmishinout, tin soon, as punishment Hi j>6sjil}Sey of aJi who mW bo tmswe-mhle for our couuti-yman'e Blood. We shall be surprised a»cl grieved if all that is best in the Unitf<l States does not recognise the justice of that ttsoh'fr.
The position of the American Goyernment is certainly a- very difficult one. It is, as a New. York pftpfil ,, points but, confronted 'with the necessity of protecting American and foreign life and property ifl a- territory overrun by bandit forces. It cannot appeal to Suema, for he is not. recognised by the United States* and in any case he is unable fo take ' effective action; and it is doubtful whether Cammnza, the leader of the : Coastitutionaiists, can exercise much control over Villa. "Hsw to act without using military force is it ; hard problem; not to act at all is becoming rapidly impossible." It has been suggested that "isfcrn&ticmfii ' police power" should bo brought to : bear on.. Mexico by tlie Co-operation ■of the European nations interested with tha United but this does not find favour in America, as it would be contrary to the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine. ( If, however, the Washington auilioritJes prefer to aet alone, other nations have a right to expect that they will act effectual* ly and not merely watch and wart. One cannot help being suspicious reparding- the finding of the OaiiluKZA Commission as to the death of -Mis. Brn'toS, in view of the relations which exist between VILr.A and Gar-, ranza. The Commission states W Vii.tiA only imprisoned Mr. Bentcw. and that MaJob Febßßßo waylaid and shot him. We are also told that Ferrero is to be executed, fiiis story is entirely different from the expiaftfttion originally given of the tragedy: but if it is true, and if FEiiniiKO is roacle to suffer far * his. crime, sonic reoafation will hav* been made. B»t the death of Mr. Bektos is only an in- ■ eident in the Mexican tnrmoil. The! state of the country is a disgrace to civilisation, and if America canflot i improve matters by peaceful niottods a resort mast soon be made .to araed iijterveiitien. howerer disinclined PftESiPBNT Wilson may be to draw the sword.
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Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2118, 8 April 1914, Page 6
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833The Dominion WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1914, BANDIT WAR IN MEXICO Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2118, 8 April 1914, Page 6
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