Penrose For Border Army.

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 10, 1913:
Senator Will Demand Protection for Americans in Mexico.
Special to The New York Times.
    PHILADELPHIA, Penn., Aug. 9.— The conditions in Mexico being so turbulent and lawless, said Senator Boies Penrose to-day, he decided to introduce a resolution in the Senate suggesting that the Government send troops to the Mexican border. The Senator wants soldiers there to be in instant readiness to protect American lives and property. He said the resolution would detail the number of American citizens who had been murdered and the property loss suffered by Americans in the insurgent sections of Mexico. He added that, although he did not favor intervention, he would demand adequate protection for citizens of this country dwelling below the Rio Grande.
    Senator Penrose believed the situation called for sterner measures. He asserted Americans had no real idea of the loss of American life and property in Mexico, and in that connection severely criticised the "Chautauqua Circuit policy" of the Wilson Administration in dealing with the situation.
    "The Mexican situation is beginning to loom large," the Senator commented. "I expect to have something to say on this subject at an early date in the Senate.
    "We have reached a point where we must take a firm and vigorous stand. We already have lost much prestige among the foreign nations and the Mexican people. In fact, this seems to have been the first trouble in Mexico in which American people and property have been molested. In all former revolutions and conflicts, a wholesome fear of the United States has caused all factions in Mexico to refrain from interfering with Americans or other foreigners.
    In the last two years, however, the opposite situation has prevailed, and little or no respect has been shown to Americans. The Monroe Doctrine already has lost much of its standing and strength in our national relations. The countries of Europe are not likely to sit by and see life and property destroyed while homilies are being issued from Washington.
    "I realize that the situation is difficult and would not for a moment advise any precipitate act of intervention. But we have reached a point when this government must declare in no uncertain terms that from now on American life and property must be protected, particularly along the border, even if American soldiers have to force such protection."