Arizona republican., 1917-04-23
COMMERCIAL CLUB.
 COUNSELS CALMNESS

MESA. April 22.-The directors of the Mesa Commercial club, believing that there has been an unnecessary alarm and an undue amount of talk over the situation in the valley is hay ing printed in both Spanish and Eng fish the following letter which is in tended for circulation in all the Mexi- can homes in Mesa and vicinity. The directors do not underestimate the pos sible dangers of the situation, but be- lieve that the local MeXicans are dis posed to be loyal and have found that there is some excitement and alarm among them because of preparations which are not understood by them as aimed solely against marauding bands. To the Residents of the Salt River
 valley:
 Recognizing the fact that the United States is at war with Germany and that there is a condition of unrest over the country and more particularly in the state on the border of Mexico we desire to make the following statement
 First-We consider it necessary for all people to remember that the Mexi- can republic is not at enmity with the United States, that the two govern ments have interchanged ambassadors and are trying earnestly to maintain friendly relations.
 Second-That all white citizens should remember that the Mexican res idents of the Salt River valley have shown no indication of creating trouble, but that the directors of the Commer- cial club being for the most part long time residents of Mesa, are personally acquainted with the MeXicans in this vicinity and believe them to be anxious to remain at peace and to be allowed to go about their business unmolested. Many of these Mexicans were born here and have always been loyal citizens and there is every reason to believe that they are satisfied with the oppor- tunity to work for themselves and their families.
 Third-It will be remembered that last year when our troops entered Mex ico, the Mesa MeXicans went quietly about their business and we have no reason to believe that they have changed their attitude.
 Fourth-That the many alarming rumors sent out by papers of the Pacif- ic coast and elsewhere have been shown to be false and we believe that all such reports and all inflammatOry talk should be stopped and that the Americans of this valley should mani fest to their Mexican neighbors located here, friendly interest and sympathy.
 Fifth-That we believe that rifle clubs should be organized and main- tained, that every citizen, should be armed, but that every man both Amer ican and Mexican should understand that these rifle clubs are for the pur- pose of protecting bur homes from pos sible bandit raids and that there is nc reason why any peaceful Mexican citi- zen should feel the least alarm. The rifle club stands just as ready to pro- tect our Mexican residents as it does any other home that may be Threatened by bandits.
 SiXth-That we hope all members ot rifle clubs here and elsewhere will maintain this attitude of friendliness that all commercial organizations will give expressions of similar nature and that all citizens both American and Mexican will go about their business in the regular way
 Respectfully submitted,
 The Directors of the Mesa Commer- cial club.