Page:Mexico and its reconstruction.djvu/320

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MEXICO AND ITS RECONSTRUCTION

the return of the many thousands who, during the revolution, have been forced out of their own country into foreign lands, especially the United States. The new perspective, which these people will take back to their home communities, will not fail to have its influence upon the thought of others. They will have lost their short-range vision and will help their countrymen to a new appreciation of the position of Mexico in the world. From such changes of viewpoint the United States will profit.

The American people must hear a call to help Mexico through philanthropic activities. These depend upon the Government of the United States only for such friendly moral support as it may be able to extend. Bad sanitary conditions, poor educational facilities, and other conditions socially disadvantageous—the need for the elimination of these in Mexico should awaken a lively interest on the part of the people of the United States. It has not done so heretofore. In spite of the excellent efforts made, chiefly with church support, all that has been done is only a beginning. The well equipped and efficient philanthropic institutions, which under American management and support are doing such splendid work in the Far East and the Near East, have no counterpart in the nearer south. American philanthropy has not always heeded the injunction "Do the duty that lies nearest thee." It has not given its attention, as it should, to Mexico.

In spite of the evident present unwillingness of Mexico to admit it, there is little doubt that the United States must give financial assistance to the government.