Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-03-09
A Program of characterization

The League Of Latin-American Citizens Of the
United States. organized by American citizens Of Latin
birth. is rapidly becoming one Of the most important
organizations on the Mexican border, not only in point
Of numbers but in the influence exerted in the promo
ton Of better standards Of citizenship.
The one object Of the league is TO educate citizens
Of Latin birth in the fundamentals OF American citizen
ship; 10 each them their duties as American citizens;
to inculcate q deep, abiding respect for American insti-
tutions and customs. In other words, the league has
started a crusade to create here on the Mexican border
q standard OF citizenship which will be without a peer
under the Stars and Stripes movement which should
and does have the support Of every progressive citizen
who desires to aid in disseminating the principles
which have made the United States the leader among
nations.
The league insists that every immigrant from
-Latin-Ameriean countries who comes to the United
States with the intent Of making his home here become
an American citizen. The leaders insist that such i'm
migrants educate themselves in respect to the political
privileges citizenship ~confers; that they study the his
tory Of their adopted country, the principles upon
which American liberties are founded, and otherwise
fit themselves to discharge their duties as citizens of
the United States. The league emphasizes the neces-
sity Of individual study Of economic and political phases
in order 20 eliminate mass voting, insisting that it Is
the duty Of every citizen to inform himself and to act
independently.
The manual Of the league. recently issued, provides
that all meetings open with the pledge TO the flag: II
pledge allegiance to the flag and the republic for which
IL stands. one nation indivisible. with liberty and jus
tice for ALL" Washingtons prayer is then reeited in
unison. followed BY mass singing Of America" and
te "Star-Spangled Banner" The meetings are largely
devoted to patriotic subjects, and close with mass sing
ing Of "The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You" The
league also emphasizes the necessity for each member
learning the English language, the education OF chill
dren. and demands support OF the schools, respect for
+he laws and adherence to those principles Of liberty
ard Justice which are the recognized foundation Of
Americanism.
Among the thousands Of Latin Americans along the
border the league has secured a membership which has
already given it wide influence. The leaders carefully
avoid political pitfalls. At none Of the meetings do
they permit any individual. clique or party to gain
control. All political discussions are upon broad lines.
r. issues and candidates and to vote a. his conscience
dictates. They are urged to break away from mass
voting. each voter to form his own opinions based upon
rs nersonal views. and TO express those opinions and
views with the ballot. They are taught 70 regard the
Y;vht Of franchise rs q privilege which should be jeal-
nnsIv guarded and never abused; that the veal Of their
.sonsed land lies in the proper exercise OF the right
or franchise.
throughout the border country the movement is re-
<.-sed a one of the most progressive ever inaugurated
= connection with the solution Of the Latin-Amerieaa
-~ohIam. The elimination Of mass voting. education Of
II. r.,;r voters. and above all the dissemination Of
-. Fundamental principles Of Americanism viii prove
-n..r. factors in the future progress Of q region where
1.~~a masses Of the voters have often been used merely
r.vrs bv designing politicians. The league proposes
w.rl.re IGNORANCE with education; political apathy
~..a r..r;osism: and in this work It should have the
-, .unnort Of every individual who desires to i'm
~rovs the standards Of citizenship