Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-02-22

Proponents of the Box bill, which proposes to place
Mexican immigration upon a quota basis, assert they
have found the solution of the Mexican problem so fer
rs the United States is directly concerned.
This is a misconception. The passage Of the Box
bill will not only fail TO solve the problem but it
will bring into existence new and menacing features.
Not only will the inherent antipathy of Mexico and
other Latin American countries toward the United
States be stirred to greater depth and react adversely
TO the commercial and industrial interests of this
country, but 1t will also serve as a barrier to American
capital which is essential to development Of the coun-
tries south Of the Rio Grande.
There is no parallel between Mexico and the coun-
tries Of Europe; nor nor does Mexican immigration
present the same menace as does immigration from
Europe. Europe with its dense population offers no
field for individual expansion, and the surplus popu-
lation is virtually forced to emigrste. Mexico and
other Latin American countries have small popula-
tions; their resources are almost unlimited; and the
United States does not offer to them the attraction
that draws upon this country the longing eyes Of the
dense populations of Europe. immigration from Mex
leo comes almost entirely from the border section and
is q large part seasonal. Immigrants from the Next
can interior are extremely rare. The people of the in
terror know the opportunities the United States offers
and they would doubtless be attracted as are the peo-
pie of Europe were il not for the fact that their own
country offers even greater opportunities.
The Mexican problem is purely economic and in
dustrial. During the days Of Porfirio Diaz when Mex
leu was cfCAOPAh hrI vast resources and American
and European capital was flowing into the country, the
tide Of immigration was the other way. Far more Am
orleans went into Mexico than there were Mexicars
who came into the United States. Political eruptions.
followed by an era of of industrial stagnation. pro-
duced economic and political conditions which caused
American and European capital to withdraw. Not
withstanding this condition there has at no time been
heavy immigration across the Rio Grande except when
seasonal labor was necessary and Mexicans crossed
the border to aid the farmers Of the southwest.
II the Box bill is passed, the average Mexican will
regard 1t as . national insult. The Latin American
lined the results 1t will have upon all Of Latin America.
The era Of better feeling which is rapidly ripening into
international understanding and friendliness will be
swept away. and American industry and commerce will
be confronted with q situation which will undo the
conciliatory efforts Of recent years.
The United States is not in position TO antaronize
Mexico and all Of Latin America. Instead of ASSUMING
an attitude Of ~aloofness, the policy of good will. which
Ambassador Morrow has so ably represented. should
be maintained. Cooperation should be extended in
the development Of MexicO's great resources, and if
this is done Mexican immigration will automatically
adjust itself without interference on the part Of the
United States.
the same amount of energy in an effort to stabilize
conditions in Mexico and to aid that country in attain
ins that position among nations which is her heritage
veloped wealth, there would be no Mexican immigration
problem. Mexicsns do not wish to leave their native
land. They know its resources, its opportunities, and
. firm but friendly policy on the part Of the American
government and less display Of antipathies on the