AMERICA’S TASK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 16034, 14 September 1912, Page 10

AMERICA’S TASK.

Tin? relations between Mexico and the United States have reached a critical stage. Mr Taft, it is reported, has demanded that President Madera shall take prompt action to protect American lives and property throughout Mexico, with the alternative ot resignation within thirty days. In effect this communication is a threat of armed intervention, and it is probable that President Madero will refuse to yield to the pressure from Washington. He can scarcely be expected to crush in thirty days a revolution that has been taxing his resources severely for the best part of a year, and he is not likely to resign unless actual compulsion is applied to him. Even if he should retire without calling the American bluff tho problem that faces Mr Taft would remain, since the rebels would bo encouraged to new efforts. The crucial question, then, is whether or not tho United States army is ready to undertake a serious campaign m Mexico. If its critics are to bo believed it has not the organisation or the numerical strength that would be required in an attempt to capture the seat of government in Mexico and to restore order in tho turbulent provinces. Tho provocation that line been given tho United States is very great. American rights have been disregarded in flagrant fashion by the contending forces, and American citizens have been attacked and killed. It is snfo to assume, too, that Britain and Germany, who have hig financial interests in Mexico, have been urging tho Government at Washington to put an end to the disorders. -Tim Monroe doctrine enrriee with it responsibilities as well as privileges. But it is easy to believe that President Taft has no liking for the task of preaching peace in Mexico with the guns of the American army.