The general attitude towards Mex
ico is well- summed up by the New
Orleans Times-Picayune: "This coun
try wants peace and order in Mexico,
has no desire- to interfere with its in
ternal affairs, or to trespass upon its
independence. Mexico concerns us,
as it buys from us, sells to us, is host
to our investors and visitors invited
under her laws. If Americans can go
about their honest errands there in
safety for themselves and their dollar.-,
our neighbors may be sure they are
safe from our overwhelming power
and possessed of our friendship—
which will be helpful if they will have
it so.” There may be those who sneer
at the founding of relations on prop
erty considerations, but surely there
can be no fundamental ideals where
there is violation of honestly acquired
material rights. Honesty as an ideal
is nothing, if honesty in practical ap
plication is denied.
