Imperial Valley press., 1924-03-15
A HELPING HAND FROM MEXICO

II is refreshing and encouraging to have SO emf
nent man as M L. Guzman, editor of Ell Mundo, of
Mexico City and a member of the Mexican House of
Deputies, speak he has concerning border conditions
at Mexical, Tijuana and other ports of entry.
Editor Guzman is amazed that there should be
such dsgracefu state of affairs and says 81 am
fdent it is matter of which the officials in Mexico
City are unaware. believe that the matter
is brought to their attention remedy will promptly be
applied
1t may we'll be hoped that the distinguished visi-
tor now in Los Angeles, speaks the truth when he ut
teTs this statement. It would be forceful rebuke II
Mexican officials proved themselves perturbed
over vice conditions the border than American Off
cals and the American public have appeared to be-
These licentious border towns are,
matter of fact, more the sewer outlet of
the United States than, they of Mexico.
Having outawed gambling, booze and lewdness
fron. this country, these elements found lodg-
ment on the border 1t is largely American money that
is backing all the palaces of wickedness and their pat
ronage comes almost wholly from the American side.
But for the separation of the centuries, Mexca and
Tijuana would take the places of Sodom and Co.
morrah in holy writ. They corrupt beyond des
crlption-and beyond liberation.
The present crusade, which bids we'll to clean up
the border STENCIL may be said to have commenced
when, few months ago, the Press was, happily, the
mediums through which public sentiment crystalz-
ed into action. Through its columns men and women
of moral strength and vgor emphasized the fact that
here the greatest handicap with which this valley
has to contend. It is not the rigor of the elements
that interposes the most formidable barrier to pro-
gress but it is the perversity of human nature that is
so hldeeusy exemplfled at Mexicali For the latter
saps our moral strength well material
sources. We can by mechanical devices, overcome the
former but it requires searching of hearts and
stant painstakng courageous cultivation of moral
fiber to conquer the latter.
The Press hopes there may be cooperation of a
hearty and effective kind at Mexico City AS we have
hitherto stated this crusade is not gongNto perpetuae
itself. It must be followed up, both sides of the
line. good. start has been made. Such
Editor Guzmah may be exceedingly helpful. He knows
that revenue producing vice like big gambling
Germ that alone monthly license of S6500O for
the privilege of operating will resist to the last and
those who profit by its payment will not willingly
linquish it. And the. american department of immi
grafton and should continue to carry on"
they have started. I5'5G 9uJ 81
Our irrigation and drainage systems are costing
many Millions but they of minor Importance
pared to the vice problem at our back door 1t is stated
by those who may be said speak with authority that
quarter of million dollars month flows from the
American side Of the valley into the sinks of sin in
Mexca Our farms and homes cannot be i'm
proved by this money that is than wasted. We
might well knew this valley cannot prosper as
long this order remains. dyke must be built
to stop the flow Of our money and manhood into
Mexican cesspoos. Now that the ground for this
dyke has been broken let everyone interested in the
welfare Of Imperial Valley lend helping hand.