Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1927-10-20
AMERICANISM
IS URGED AT
MEETINCHERE
Brownsville Chapter
Of Latin-American
League Given Char
ter Wednesday

Amerlcanism, the duties OF the
American citizen and the necessity
for Mexican-Americans to educate
themselves and their children in the
precepts and ideals Of the American
government and institutions were
the themes discussed at the installa-
tion of the Brownsville Council Of
the League of Latin American Citi-
zens of the Valley at the Comeron
county court house Wednesday night.
The district court room was filled
to capacity, and scores Of Mexican
Americans were unable to secure
seats.
The Brownsville Council. which Is
the sixth to be organized in the VAL
ley, has a membership of over $50,
and expects to have over 500 enrolled.
Other cities in which councils have
been organized are Edinburg. Mis-
sion. McAllen, Weslaco and Harlin-
gen.
The league Is strictly non-political.
but every member will be required
to secure a poll tax. Each member
is expected to exercise every func-
tion of an American citizen, and it
is the object of the league to incul-
cate in the minds of Mexican-Ameri-
cans, by precept and example, the
duties Of American citizenship.
The principal speakers Of the even
ing were Judge a. s. Perales OF Nc
Allen, G. N. Idar Of San Antonio and
]. T. Canales Of Brownsville, all Of
whom stressed the necessity for
Mexican Americans TO educate them
selves in the English language, to-
familiarize themselves with the du-
ties and privileges of American cit
izenship, and TO faithfully discharge
every duty which such citizenship in
wolves.
Arrange Interesting Program
An interesting program had been
arranged for the occasion. The meet
ing opened with the band playing
"The Star Spangled Banner" after
which Judge A. S. Perales was in
troduced BY John Champion. chair
man pro TEN. Judge Perales has
been the leader in the organization
movement and briefly summarized
the work accomplished since the
initial meeting was held at Harlin-
gen on Aug. IL. He asserted that
the membership was increasing rap
idly; that the influence of the or
ganization has extended throughout
the Valley, and that the league is
destined to stand az a landmark Of
progress in the border country. He
asserted that the league represented
the economic, social and political evo-
luton of the Mexican-American peo-
pie; that they were striving to in
culcate the highest ideals of the
highest type of citizenship. He
stated that American citizens of Mex
lean extraction must exercise their
right of franchise intelligently, and
that 1t was the duty Of leaders, by
precept and example, to lead the
masses to a higher plane. He es-
pecially emphasized education as the
principal factor in developing pa
triotism and an appreciation of the
privileges Of citizenship.
Judge Persles informed the
Brownsville council that it would be
impossible for him to continue active
work with the league for several
months, as he has been delegated BY
the American Department Of State
10 assist General Mccoy in holding
the Nicaraguan elections. and that
later he will 90 to Cuba as an as
sistant with the American delegation
to the Pan-American conference.
Members Take Oath
The roll was called and with all
members Of the council standing the
following oath was administered and
affirmed by the entire membership:
do you and each of you solemnly
promise to be true and loyal to the
government of the United States of
America, to support its constitution
and obey its laws: that you will
teach your children TO become true.
loyal Americans; that you will
faithfully observe and support the
constitution and bylaws Of this or
der and all resolutions duly adopted,
and extend 70 all officers due re-
spect and obedience"
The various officers of the council
were then called before Judge Pera-
les. who acted as chairman. and col
lectively took an oath in all respects
bership.
Aims Of Organization
c. n. ldar Of San Antonio spoke on
the aims of the organization. and
urged that il ultimately be amalga-
mated with the Sons of America. an
organization of American citizens Of
Mexican extraction which il work
ing for the advancement Of their
race in other parts Of the South
west. He stated that the aims Of the
two organizations are very similar,
and that their work should be cooFdi-
mated.
The United States is our country,
and we must adopt its language, its
customs and ideals IL we are 10
faithfully discharge the duties of
citizenship. Mr.. Idar said. We are
MI Americans. and We are proud Of
H. In recent years there has been an
awakening consciousness of Ameri-
CONTINUED on page two.l