Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-11-18
Some Educational
Advantages Along
the Mexican Border
By Webb Miller.

Omitted Press staff correspondent.)
FL Paso, Texas, Nov. 1S.-In enumer-
atng the beneficial results of the mo-
bilization of national guards men upon
the border some one has dwelt upon the
educational advantages.
every one of the hundred-odd thou
sand militiamen," they say "will go
back to his home with clearer knowl-
edge of a new section of our country
and an understanding of the Mexican
situation.n
So as soon as the tents are up and
he can get "town leave" the newly ar
rived guardsman hurries down to learn
all he can about the Mexicans and the
situation" see the famous Interna-
tional bridge and catch a glimpse of the
turbulent country at the other end of
it. 1t is a thrilling experience-if the
"guardis" has imagination. The sol
diers of the patrol furnish the educa-
tional features.
At first sight the bridge is a bit dis
appointing. 1t is a rickety wooden af-
fair, And the "silvery Rio Grande"
mentioned frequently in the popular
songs is distinct shock. 1t is neither
silvery nor grand AT this season of
the year it is mere thread of dirty
water meandering over the sandy river
bed. Usually dozen naked Mexican
children are attempting to get wet or
dirtier.
"Huh," sneered Pittsburg guards
man, "it ism t near as dirty as our
river. With two blotters 1 could blot
up their dinged river.''
1t is significant after the first sight
of the stream, the newcomers insist up
on calling it "their river"
After gazing silently at the clusters
of drab adobe huts sprawling up the
sides of the barren mountain back of
the town the newcomer has q lot OF
questions to ask. This is where the edu
cation begins.
"Say," pard, care there many band
its over thereP'
The nonchalant militiaman on patrol
regards the seeker after knowledge with
scant interest. He is veteran of the
border service. These ''rookies annoy
him. He has been on the border three
months.
CANT it kinda dangerous doin )
guard duty right across from 'em," pur
sues the undaunted seeker-after-knowl-
edge.
oval, yes" yawns the veteran.
Yes, we do have lotta trouble with
them bandits. But one gets used to it
in time.'
The seekerafter-knowliedge throws
an apprehensive glance at the other
side. 1t looks quiet enough. Scores
of shapeless women are lowering over
little fires cooking meals on the shady
bank. Vendors of vegetables and cigar
cites are wailing their wares plaintive-
ly. Children in every degree of naked
ness are playing in the sand in the sun.
But at the, other end of the bridge are
several sinister dark-faced figures
fondling Mausers. They are leaning
against the ratings, each with a two
bushel hat pulled over their eyes. They
are the Carranzistas customs guard.
When it is time for them to go off duty
someone will awaken them.
"Do them fellows ever get to snip
inf"
"Oh, yes. The veteran casts a sharp
look at the opposite bank. 'We watch
'em pretty close. They's usually not
much doin' until after dark"
The newcomer is visibly impressed.
He envies the hardened veteran his care
less demeanor in tn face of danger.
"What are them red horse blankets
they wear around their shoulders7" The
rocks" thirst for information is in
satiable,
"Them' Oh, they call 'em tortil-
las" OF course the rook doesn Z know
now that tortiIls-fs a pancake. But
he II learn border ways fast enough.
Within month he will be tutoring
some crook" and satisfying his thirst
for knowledge.
It's great life, this border service.
any way you take it-and there are the
educational advantages.