Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/252

216 materials, and are protecting in Texas a nucleus of conspirators who are planning all kinds of hostile movements against Mexico. The time has arrived to show that this is not a co-operative movement to exterminate bandits, but a real invasion or menace of our national sovereignty. . . . In the event that they persist in maintaining the status quo indefinitely. . . the Mexican Army will be obliged to prevent their aggression by force, as they clearly have the right to do."

The editorial closes with the declaration that in the ultimate case, the whole nation will stand to the end with their chief. It cannot be doubted that a very large class of the Mexican people are satisfied that the sinister motives attributed to the American Government are only imaginary, if honestly asserted; and that there is nothing behind their entry upon Mexican territory more than has been clearly stated by the administration, namely, to punish the perpetrators of the crimes against the border citizens—therefore, public sentiment was not aroused by the somewhat belligerent note of Mr. Lansing.

On 28th June, the United States formulated its "irreducible minimum" of demand. It was stated that President Wilson would go to the limits of diplomacy in the efforts to avoid war with Mexico, actuated solely by a desire to save American lives.

The President felt that a way would appear to avoid actual war; and it was his confident hope that this avenue would be opened up through a satisfactory reply from General Carranza to the ultimatum sent to Mexico, for so Mr. Lansing's Note was regarded. Compliance with the President's demand would consist in the immediate release of the prisoners held in Mexico and the assurance that there is no intention on the part of the de facto Government to make war on the United States.

Señor Obregon, the Mexican War Minister, interviewed on 17th July, stated, that if United States troops were