Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/285

WOODROW WILSON 241 "The effect of this unfortunate misunderstanding on their part," he continued in his message, "is to leave them singularly isolated and without friends who can effectually aid them. So long as the mis understanding continues, we can only await the time of their awakening to a realization of the actual facts. We cannot thrust our good offices upon them. The situation must be given a little more time to work itself out in the new circum stances; and I believe that only a little time will be necessary. For the circumstances are new. The rejection of our friendship makes them new and will inevitably bring its own alterations in the whole aspect of affairs. The actual situation of the au thorities at Mexico City will presently be revealed." Meantime, "we can afford to exercise the self- restraint of a really great nation which realizes its own strength and scorns to misuse it." With in creased activity on the part of contending factions in Mexico would come increased danger to non- combatants, and therefore the President earnestly urged all Americans to leave Mexico at once. We should assist them in getting away, but, at the same time, let every one who assumed authority know, in the most unequivocal way, "that we shall vigilantly watch the fortunes of those Americans who cannot get away and shall hold those responsible for their sufferings and losses to a definite reckoning." For