National Affairs: Fighting Stuffs

The makings of a small storm seem to be brewing in the Washington teapot. A small revolution is frittering about in Mexico (see FOREIGN AFFAIRS), and President Obregon asked whether he might buy some rifles and other munitions of war from Uncle Sam.

Secretary Hughes laid the proposal before the Cabinet, strongly urged that the sale be made in the interests of obtaining peace in Mexico. The President agreed and Secretary of War Weeks made no specific objections.

In spite of the holiday recess, there began a chorus of opposition from the anti-Administration forces. Army officers, too, are reported as generally opposed to the proposition. Apparently the decision was made and only details waited to be arranged. But Congress, on its reassembling, had not yet been heard from. If the transaction is made in cash it is improbable that Congress can prevent it, but if the sale is to involve credit there may be Congressional interference.