Peace With Mexico.

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 13, 1913:
    The theory that the powers of evil are organized in lobbies and conspiracies to baffle the Administration at all points has been worn threadbare by overuse. The conspiracy of protected manufacturers against the tariff bill was nipped in the bud by Administration threats that the closing of a mill or the reduction of wages would bring Federal investigators to the spot to inquire by what authority such action was taken. Then certain unnamed New York banks conspired against the Federal Reserve Banking bill by seeking to impair the value of their own Government bonds. Now there is unearthed a lobby or conspiracy to bring on a war with Mexico by opposing President Wilson's policy toward that disturbed republic. If such a war lobby actually does exist, the punishment of the whipping post would fit the crime of its members. But we incline to the belief that there is no lobby or conspiracy of that nature. There are a few individuals, it may be, who, believing that they would profit by the war, are putting forth foolish stuff about the Mexican situation, but it is so obviously foolish that it is not in any degree dangerous. The motives of these persons, some in and some out of Congress, are perfectly well known, and no intelligent person pays serious attention to them. Their influence may be disregarded.
    The American people are united in abhorrence of the very thought of war with Mexico. It is a calamity to be avoided and any Administration policy which has as its aim the continuance of peaceful relations with Mexico and the putting aside of all danger of forcible intervention in Mexican affairs, will have the firm support of a united public opinion in the United States. Wherever the President's policy toward Mexico has been called into question, it was because of some difference of opinion as to whether refusal to recognize the Provisional Government and the sending of Mr. Lind as an adviser to our Embassy were altogether wise procedures in view of the national desire and determination not to have any trouble with Mexico. Once determined upon, and Mr. Lind having arrived in Mexico, criticism in all responsible quarters ceases, and it is everywhere felt that the President should have the support of public opinion in his efforts to bring about more settled conditions in that republic, a change for the better which will remove or very much diminish the chances that intervention may be necessary.
    Mr. Lind has been well received in the Mexican capital and thus far President Wilson's plans are working smoothly. The test of their success will come when Mr. Lind has caused whatever message he bears to be communicated to President Huerta. Even then, there is but slight probability that affairs will take an unpleasant turn. The action of Japan in declining to receive Felix Diaz as a special envoy from the Mexican Government, which will put him upon the footing of a private individual, is a gratifying indication of Japan's desire not to be a cause of embarrassment to us in our dealings with Mexico. Furthermore, the statement that the British Government's recognition of Huerta was merely a recognition of his status of "Provisional President pending an election," is construed as an indication that Great Britain's position is not widely different from our own. It is possible that a recognition by us on these terms might have been justified on the theory said to be held by Great Britain that it would be "likely to assist in the restoration of order." Conditional recognition is not usual, but in this case it would be a mere recognition in terms of a fact that we have recognized and do recognize because we must. By whatever means he may have grained the office, Huerta is the Provisional President of Mexico.
    But our relations with him and with his country will advance to a new stage upon the presentation of Mr. Lind's communication. There will be every disposition to give loyal support to the President in whatever course he may then pursue that will tend to keep us out of the Mexican broil.