El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1917-05-24
LTTERACY TEST AND HEAD TAX
WAIVED FOR MEXICAN FARMERS
II l

Has been announced by the department labor that
the immigration law is to be suspended in part that
= Mexican isboreIs may emigTate from Mexico to the
United States without being subjected the Hteacy test
the payment Of head tax provided they TO be used
IN agricultural work and nothing else.
This action by the department of labor taken with
view TO supplying Mexican labor for the farmers Of the
southwest many of whom already fearing it would be
impossible for them to get their harvess because OF an
anticipated labor shortage The Arizona council of defence
deserves credit for initiating movement which brought the
need Of the southwest before the eyes OF the labor depart
meu and Arzonss representatives congress also deserve
thanks for the assistance they gave.
There is serious flaw in secretary Wilson'S announce
mont Which i that the MevicsnS uho enter the limited
States by taking advantage Of the suspension of the laws
provisions must be employed at agricultural work and moth
ing else This leaves the railroads in the cold and they
most IN need of One railroad alone estimates its
immediate need 5000 Other industries also need laborers
The farmers alone in the demand for There is
still hope that this matter we're called to secretary
Wilson's attention, he might the limitation, allow
ing the immigrants 10 be used in industries where most
needed, and shifted about from industry to another
the need For instance at time it might be de-
sirable to have large number Of Meicans available for
the cotton uickng At another time thew be
needed on the but would be In demand the section
gangs the railroads At still another, the mines and
Smete might be in need Of ordinary labor and
hundreds thousands Of from the railroads and
farms.
But If is not possible for secretary Wilson enlarge
his ruling the situation will be improved anyhow, for If
plenty Of men from Mexico are secured for the FARMS the
total labor supply viii be made Just that much greater and
immigrants from Mexico under the suspen-
sion Of rules VIII be available Tor industries other than
agricultural Secretary Wilson should be asked to alter his
ruling possible But if does not the southwest
get along.
Movement of Mexican labor the United States back
into Mexico larger than could be wished From reports
which have reached FL Paso and which have also reached
Washington Mexicans Leaving the United States in
numbers exceeding the immigration The lifting of the
teray test and head tax provisions will allow the admis
sion of many who would be glad to to this country
but have been unable to do So but the large emigration
should be checked If possible That does that
Mexican who desires return his native land should be
restrained If he really wants 60 90 his privilege
Is because
he nevertheless believes be true he ought the
truth and perhaps then he would rather stay.
Somehow other the word has gone abroad among the
Mexican aborng classes in this country that they, like
Americans subject to CONSUMPTION and to be drafted
into the United States army TO fight Germany 1t IS alb
sBrd of The United States cannot lawfully draft
aliens into military service and has inclination do So
1t possible. None but American citizens and
those who have ~taken first naturalization papers" by
filing declaration of intention become citizens of the
United States IN the United States army The
United States and the governor of Texas have asked that
be made plain to the Mexican people that they be
and viii be drafted into the United States military
forces and everyone who into contact with those
Die eight pass the word along. Mr.. Soano Bravo
Mexican consul here, do much toward cementing the
friendly relations between his country and the United States
ty informing his people of the facts We labor
the southwest and cannot afford lose because of any
misunderstanding, willing to work for fair wages.
The srmo-ed tanks do damage abroad and the human
tanks at home.