236 WESTERN HEMISPHERE IMMIGRATION

that as a race problem they require practically no special attention from the
standpoint of disturbances. He says that in his opinion if the Mexican section
of the population were of any other races we would have decidedly more trouble
of a civic and racial nature based on racial aspects; that the Mexican averages
very high in civic orderliness, law-abiding qualities, and respect for public authority.
 He does not have any radical or antigovernmental attitude, and whatever
suspicion, fear, misunderstanding or ignorance he may have as regards our laws,
the Mexican is not by nature radical or Bolshevik; that as a class of people the
Mexicans average really higher in the fundamental instincts of family solidarity
than do people who are more socialized in their civilization.
Mr. Hughey’s conclusions summarize most effectively the conclusions of many
nad Sank who are in close and constant contact with the Mexicans in everyday
life. e says:
“In conclusion, I would summarize by saying that El Paso is in the class bf
cities having a high percentage of population with a low level of living conditions;
that this is largely due to the high percentage of Mexican residents; that they are
low-paid workers; that they are, under the influence of public education and
American contacts, coming to a higher level of living conditions and a greater
earning capacity the longer they reside here; that they are easily managed and
controlled from a civic, public, or governmental standpoint; that I see no social
or racial menance in them and no prospect of trouble from their numbers that
compares with the prospect seen in other groups of population not fully assimilated;
 that they welcome public-school advantages and profit by them; that if
we must have low-paid labor in certain industries, they form a class that is less
objectionable for residence in this country than any other foreign stock known
to me which is engaged in such low-grade employment.”
It is claimed that the Mexicans are a constant and heavy drain on the funds of
the charitable institutions of this country.
ANY SOCIAL PROBLEM ARTIFICIALLY CREATED

The evidence submitted shows, we believe, that the trouble lies with the
social workers themselves. Dr. George P. Clements, manager of the agricultural
 department of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, has had a very
considerable experience in this whole problem both in the Southwest and in
Mexico, and says:
“I am astounded to learn that, while El Paso with a Mexican population of
from 60 to 70 per cent has only devoted 6 per cent of its charitable budget to
Mexican charities; with us here in Los Angeles, and with a 5 per cent Mexican
population, our Mexican social question requires 68 per cent of our charitable
budget. This is indicative that our trouble is with the soeial-service bodies
themselves rather than with the Mexicans, and a careful study of the operations
of these 150 separate organizations which are functioning in behalf of the poor
of the city of Los Angeles, particularly with the Mexicans, makes us impressed
by our total lack of constructive effort and the terrific waste of money in the making—I
 regret to have to say it—of the Mexicans into paupers.’”
NO RACE PROBLEM ETHNICALLY

The Mexican does not intermarry with Americans except in rare instances, and
has no ambition to do so. He is not. therefore, a menace to the American bloodstream.
 However, any charge that a mixture of this kind is incompatible is not
born out by the facts. = We must remember that these Mexicans are Indians, and
we have in our own Nation one outstanding example in the case of our Vice
President, who is of Indian blood.

DISEASE PROBLEM SAME AS EVERYWHERE

The problem of disease, as has been pointed out, is one that will apply to any
like group of people in this Nation. I think no one will dispute that disease
conditions among the poor whites and negroes of the South are just as bad as,
or worse than, among the Mexicans. As a matter of fact, by keeping the border
open, but providing the strict inspection which our present law provides, the
diseased and unfit can be kept out, whereas to apply a quota indiscriminately
can but encourage illegal crossings over the 1,800 miles of boundary, much of
which ean not be patrolled effectively.