150 WESTERN HEMISPHERE IMMIGRATION

their rights under our laws; to assist them in the matter of registration,
 and replying to the questionnaires sent out by local boards;
and to do everything possible to keep them in agricultural fields. In
Camp Kearney several hundred Mexicans were encamped. The
commanding general desires that these people should be apprised
in their own language of their rights and told if they were not citizens
of the United States that the war was none of their business; that it
was our war; that if they would submit evidence that they were not
citizens, proper steps would be taken to release them from further
service. The company commanders were instructed to notify all
members of their commands who were of Latin origin and of foreign
birth, to be present at the Y. M. C. A. and the K. of C. halls at
stated times.
I was instructed to be present and to inform them of their rights,
as heretofore stated.
The Mexicans assembled in one hall. I addressed them in their
own language and after I had concluded my remarks, one of their
number came forward, requested permission to speak, which I granted.
He thanked me for the interest in their behalf and requested me to
present their compliments to the commanding officer and to tell him
that they were volunteers, a large number being experienced soldiers,
just as good and willing to fight on horseback as on foot, and the
sooner they were sent to France, the more they would appreciate it.
Two days before entrainment I was present again. The general's
instructions were for me to stimulate them, and again tell them of
their duties when they went across. Some of these were unable to
speak English. The State of California provided two teachers,
employees of the Immigration and Housing Commission, to give
them as much instruction as they could give them in the limited time
before they were called upon to go overseas. These Mexicans went.
No record is available where any of them were cited for cowardice or
desertion. Large numbers were employed as laborers, as well as
soldiers. Some have never returned and are asleep to-day in No
Man’s Land, probably forgotten. No one cares and no one knows.
Who knows but that our Unknown Soldier here at Arlington Cemetery
may be one of those Mexicans who fought for Democracy, for you
and for me?
Mr. DickstEIN. How many Mexicans of those you speak about
volunteered their services?
Mr. Paromarges. I am coming to that: If any of you gentlemen
knew General Strong, you can picture him when he said: “We will
accommodate them.” 1 went into every car; and every man was
spoken to in his own language—Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.
 The idea was to impress upon them that they were fighting
for you and for me; and we wanted to have no cowardice or desertions.
I have never heard one case of cowardice or desertion among them.
Mr. Dickstein. Can you give us the total number of Mexicans
that went over?
Mr. Pavomares. I understand there were between 500 and 600
at that camp.
Mr. Dickstein. How many altogether?
Mr. Pavomares. I do not know exactly. The war—it was none
of their business: it was our war.