Page:Mexico's dilemma.djvu/164

 THE FUTURE

UST the United States intervene in Mexico before that country can take its place among the great nations of the world?"

Mexicans and foreigners ask this question because to most men it seems a pity that a nation with such great possibilities should be under a shadow of internal strife from decade to decade.

The answer, to my mind, is: "Yes, but there is more than one way to intervene in Mexico."

I do not believe that the United States would be justified to-day in intervening in Mexico with armed forces to protect American property or American life because I have confidence in the possibilities of a Mexican Government if the leaders and the people are given an opportunity to work out their own political destiny. But if German intrigue, directed from Berlin, continues to stir up hatred for the United States and continues as a source of irritation and trouble, and if the United States or her Allies during the war are attacked from Mexico, the situation might change over night.

It is obvious, I think, to most people who have