WESTERN HEMISPHERE IMMIGRATION 179

witness stated before this committee that at Harlingen, Tex., they
wanted 5,000 Mexican laborers right now. That was presented as
an argument why this bill should not be passed.
I have before me clippings from papers in that region, showing that
the people and the press are bothered because a false report of that
kind came out. I will read you the headlines. This is from the
Harlingen Herald, under date of January 26, 1930. [Reading]
Charity taxed with laborers. Influx of workers in valley much greater than
field demands.
Newspaper stories sent up-State papers a few days ago to the effect that valley
was in need of 5,000 laborers has already had a backfire, in that the laborers in
some cases have arrived in valley in such numbers that they can not be placed.
Then it goes ahead with a number of these reports showing that
there is wide suffering. Some 200 applied to chamber of commerce
and wanted to know of the Labor Department what on earth they
were going to do with that 200. when we had been informed that they
wanted 5,000.
Mr. CanarLes. I am not responsible for that information being
passed out; but I do know this, that from the time Judge Yates
testified here to this time, the terrible calamity of that freeze came in
there and absolutely killed, as some claim, 60 per cent of our crops.
Naturally, you could see that under those conditions the labor demand
 would be less than it was before.
-Mr. Box. You can understand that when this committee is told
that there is demand in &amp; certain location for 5,000 laborers, and
then we find that 200, going there, overtax the shortage—the demand—it
 makes us careful about what we do.
Mr. Canvases. But I believe, Judge, if it was stated, there, if this
committee could have the information from these localities, first-hand
information, you would not be bothered with things like this. Of
course that telegram misrepresented the facts. Of course the shortage
 situation in Brownsville is not serious. I do know those contions.

I believe, Judge, that a practical bill can be written, and I believe
that you will understand our viewpoint if you go and get the firsthand
 information; but unfortunately the thing is that men say,
“Let us pass the Box bill,” or “Let us pass the Johnson bill,” when
they ought to come in here and give you the actual facts, and see if,
to the benefit to the whole country, vou can also remedy the things
that are giving trouble. .
Mr. ScuNEIDER (acting chairman). Are there anv other questions?
If not, the witness will be excused.
Mr. Canares. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for hearing me.
Mr. ScaNEIDER (acting chairman). We thank you for the information
 you have given us. Are there any other questions?

STATEMENT OF ALONZO S. PERALES. ATTORNEY AT LAW

Mr. PeraLes. My name is Alonzo S. Perales. I am a lawyer. 1
was born in Alice, Tex. I am an American citizen.
Mr. Chairman and honorable members of the committee, if you
will allow me to incorporate this statement that I have here in the
record. I will make but a few remarks, and then I will be ready to