American citizens have been murdered ruthlessly, and American
women have been roughly treated. British subjects have been shot
without the shadow of an excuse, and other foreigners have been
maltreated. This country claims to uphold the Monroe Doctrine,
which prevents European nations from interfering with force in
affairs on this continent. If that is the case, then the United
States must put an end to the numberless outrages against Americans
and Europeans that take place every week in Mexico. That once
orderly republic, Mexico, is now nothing better than a school
for instruction in wholesale murder and in the ruthless riding
over of the rights of all aliens residing or traveling in that
country. These aliens have every right to protection."

"Quite true," remarked another officer. "But what has that to
do with the United States? What has there been in our conduct
during the past three or four years to indicate that we would
take any strong-handed action to make life and property safe in
Mexico?"

"We shall soon interfere," predicted the former speaker, confidently.
"Affairs in Mexico are now nearing a crisis. The United States
will no longer be called a civilized and honorable nation if Army
and Navy men are not sent to Mexico to uphold our government and
the rights of American citizens living there."

"Do you think, Holton, that will happen before you and I have been
put on the retired list as white-haired rear admirals?" asked
another officer, half-jeeringly.

"You will find," insisted Lieutenant Holton, "that we shall soon