The Texas Observer SEPT. 2, 1966

A Journal of Free Voices A Window to The South 25c On Being a Labor Organizer Eugene Nelson Austin views with former braceros and wetbacks, leaflet attacking a scab labor contractor First I'd like to say that I believe every- and someone told me that Cesar Chavez, bringing strikebreakers to a small vineyard one is basically selfish, so this piece won't director of the National Farm Workers As- we were striking. We distributed the leaf- deal with the moral aspects of the decision sociation, knew some people who could give let all over the neighborhood where the to become a labor organizer. me good stories. I went to him and im- scabs were recruited, and it worked. A When I was in my teens and first heard mediately he impressed me as the most month later the big Delano grape strike about unions and labor organizers it all humane man I had ever met. He offered me began and I became one of four picket seemed to me a drab and unromantic and a job as editor of a union newspaper he captains, in charge of a group of roving unexciting business. Later, after I had hoped to start publishing. I told him that pickets that swept through the vineyards worked at various low-paying jobs and when I finished my book I might take him looking for scabs, trying to persuade them learned some of the facts of life, I dis- up on it. By the time I finished my book to leave the fields and join us. Often we covered that there were other things much he had hired someone else, a brilliant fel- were successful. It was a great thrill when less exciting: working all day for such low low named Bill Esher who has made the the strikebreakers decided to come over to wages that you couldn't even afford to take N.F.W.A. paper, El Malcriado, a resounding our side and came streaming out of the a girl to a dance or a movie, eat adequate- success. Because of my poor employment fields to join us. It was the most exciting ly, or buy new clothes when you were record — working a year to save money, period of my life, working from dawn to beginning to look ragged. On the other then going to Mexico for a year to write, dusk on the picket line, writing and dis- hand, there is the negative and often fatal etc.—I couldn't get a "respectable" job. I tributing leaflets in the evenings, working kind of excitement that extremely low tried to get a job as a social worker but was and talking with many warm and wonder- wages and poverty sometimes make neces- turned down. The only other job open to ful workers, Mexicans, Filipinos, Negroes, sary: violent revolution. I feel certain that me at the time was working for Cesar at Anglos, and with the many ministers, the greatest single deterrent to that sort $30 a week. Also it seemed like fascinating priests, students, and civil rights workers of excitement in the United States has work and would give me a chance to use my who came to help the farm workers in their been the American labor movement, which Spanish, and it seemed to me it would be struggle for justice. I discovered the labor has attained decent and just wages for at satisfying to help the poor, so rather than movement wasn't so drab after all. As most least part of the American work force. look further for work, I took the job. That people know by now, the Delano strike I -came to the labor movement somewhat was a year ago. resulted in a great breakthrough for farm late in life, at the age of 35. Since I was My first assignment was sweeping the workers when the giant Schenley Corpora- 15 I have wanted to be a writer. I told my- floor of the union headquarters in Delano, tion signed a contract granting its 450 self that after I had succeeded as a writer, California. Later the same day I wrote a (Continued on Page 3) I would use some of my leisure time to study and try to help solve the social and economic problems of the world. I never have made enough money as a writer to buy that much leisure, but I got involved in social and economic problems and the labor movement anyway, and now I realize that my original approach was wrong. I should have devoted part of my time to try- ing to help solve the world's problems all along; anyone who doesn't isn't pulling his share of the load. After working in the labor movement and thus helping the poor, I have come to believe that most people are happiest when they are living partly for themselves and partly for others. Also, I discovered that performing some extra- valuable service such as working in the labor movement is good therapy; when you help others solve their problems your own tend to disappear. The way I got into the labor movement is this: I was compiling a book of inter- Eugene Nelson, the leader of the farm workers' strike in Starr County and coordi- nator of the farm workers' march to Aus- Al Ransom, San Antonio tin, wrote this for the Observer during a Rev. James Navarro, Father Antonio Gonzales, few quiet periods while he was in Austin raising funds. and Eugene Nelson head the March to Austin money where its mouth is. Already the Texas AFL-CIO has backed the strike and Welcome to AU tin march with $15,000 in cash and $15,000 in food and clothing, and thousands of Texans The Valley farm workers who are walk- his arrogance in power are clues, he'll hide. have made personal contributions and ing 490 miles from Rio Grande City to If he thinks it over well, reflects on Texas have marched along a part of the way with Austin have walked step by step from history and the political realities of the these pilgrims for the right. Without a obscurity and exploitation into Texas his- United States, he will change course and union they will be helpless and exploited tory. Their strike struck at the black in- appear and join the fight for $1.25. Failing again as they have always been before. difference of this country to the poverty of that he will surely join Allan Shivers in Let the planners of the Labor Day climax the men, women, and children who raise the dust-bin filled with Texas governors here be sure they turn the enthusiasms its foodstuffs, who do the hard work in who served the corporations and were and energies that will be gathered here the fields under the sun. Striking, they justly forgotten. Sept. 5 into durable, well-organized sup- called over the intervening states to Cesar "Actions," said a banner the marchers port for the farm workers' strike through Chavez and the striking grape pickers, spread across the street in the Floresville the fall and winter ahead and for the mini- "We're with you." Marching now north square, "speak louder than words." The mum wage battle however long it must be from the border to the Capitol, they repre- marchers challenge the state to put its fought. ❑ sent not only the farm workers of these days and places but the farm workers old and dead and gone, beyond anything we can do now to make amends to them. They seek, not only for themselves but for all Juldright Texans, a minimum wage law of $1.25— not much to ask, less than it ought to be— The administration has proposed a small the world. Simply because we are engaged and they want to speak together through demonstration cities program to reclaim in a war, many people beat their breasts unions that they, too, may be reckoned into the ghettoes and make the cities more and proclaim the guilt of the United the calculations of the powerful. livable. Sen. Robert Kennedy calls the pro- States. . . . Come to Austin Labor Day to join them gram a drop in the bucket. Sen. John If we did not spend any money On arma- in petitioning the governor for a redress of Tower of Texas successfully cut the pro- ments, we can bet that the communist grievances that are not theirs alone, but are gram's outlay, led Republican opposition materialists would have taken over the ours, too, all of us who care about the poor. to it, and voted against it. During the world by now. . . . I speak with shame The governor may greet them or he may debate Sen. William Fuibright and Tower about the way we have treated the Ameri- not. If his absence and silence when they became involved in an engrossing exchange, can Negro—but even those people are visited his home town, Floresville, is a here excerpted from the Congressional better off—and I think they would admit it clue, he'll hide. If his anti-union record and Record. —than are the people of the Soviet Union. Fuibright. In that connection [shootings The 'United States of America is not which have recently occurred], I have never sick. . . . I think it is despicable that we seen such an outbreak of such barbarous should hear someone stand on the floor of shootings as the one in Austin, Texas, at the Senate and call the United States sick. Viva arborough the University there . . . as well as the Fulbright. . . . The thing that is disturb- killings of the eight nurses in Chicago. . . . ing to me is that we are beginning to act This state and country are once again It seems to me that this is a symptom of a as have all powerful countries in history. in debt to Sen. Ralph Yarborough for his deep unrest, of a malaise, a display of the I do not like that. I want us to act much successful floor leadership in the largest evils in our society. One of these evils is better, and much more wisely. If we are to expansion of the national minimum wage the deplorable condition of our great cities follow the road followed by the great bill since it was passed in 1938. today. . . . empires of the past, we are headed for Yarborough succeeded in getting the Tower. [Charles Whitman] did not come eventual disaster. Not immediately; we can raise from $1.40 to $1.60 for the 29,600,000 from a socially disadvantaged group. He withstand a great deal. . . . American workers now covered under the probably belonged to a middle income or a Every time a suggestion is made about bill moved up a year earlier, to 1968 instead fairly well to do family. a change in the present policies, there of 1969. For three days he fought hard for By the way, he was a Floridian and not a always creeps into the response an im- this potent anti-poverty bill that adds Texan. plication that we are not patriotic and not 7,200,000 new workers to its protections— . .. I do not believe that we are going interested in this country. My views is the restaurant workers, 400,000 farm work- to wipe out psychotic crimes by passing a just the opposite. If we are really interested ers, the employees of hotels, motels, laun- demonstration cities bill. . . . in this country, would we not like to dries, and hospitals, notoriously underpaid Fuibright. I think the senator from Tex- make it a little better than it is? .. . workers who earn 25 cents, 50 cents, 65 as [Mr. Tower] takes a much too narrow I suggest to the senator from Texas [Mr. cents an hour in Texas but now will be view of the afflictions which arise in our Tower] that those who suggest there are paid more because of this bill. society. . . . In this week's U.S. News & ways to do things better are not disloyal to The fight raged on in the Senate for World Report, under the column headed the United States. We are not trying to pro- three days, but we must await the arrival `Washington Whispers,' it is stated that the mote communism. What we are trying to of the Congressional Record to find out people of Europe look upon the United do is to make our system more attractive, what happened on the crucial amendments States as the sick man of the world. I not only to us, but to everybody abroad, because the coverage in the Texas press recall the time when we used to call Turkey by making it work better and by having was so lousy. Here the senior senator from the sick man of Europe. What are we sick better conditions of life here, which I think Texas was the floor manager of this bill about? . . . It is our mind or mentality. A would appeal far more than going to the affecting more than 35 million Americans, lack of comprehension of what is going moon, or having the biggest bomb, or being a debate in which his role in every sig- on. . . . able to kill more people than anybody else. nificant amendment should have been re- What makes me more furious about the I do not think those things appeal either ported back to Texans. Instead down here conditions in the cities is that there is no to our own people or to people abroad. . . . we get AP round-ups and damn little else. good excuse for it. It is due to negligence I do not believe the people of my state are To hell with all that.—Hats off to Yar- and lack of interest in those conditions, especially impressed by the capacity to go borough, who fresh from the fight in the because we spend money in other ways. . . . to the moon, or to kill 5,000 Viet Cong in Senate flew down to San Antonio and ad- Tower. I reject the notion that the United 24 hours. . . . dressed the Valley marchers. Viva el States of America is the sick man of the Tower. . . . It was not the intent of my campesino! he cried out. Viva Yarborough! world. I reject the notion that we do not remarks to imply that any member of this know or comprehend what is going on in body is unpatriotic. ❑ (Continued From Page 1) alternative. Most people on welfare I have Grande Valley. When Schenley signed and vineyard workers a minimum wage of $1.75 talked with find it demoralizing and would the boycott ended, I went down there. I an hour. rather do their share of the nation's work. was shocked to discover people who pro- I believe that the labor movement, with One of the main problems at present in duce food for the Great Society earning as the new spirit injected into it by the strug- the organizing of farm workers is that little as 40 cents an hour. These people had gle to unionize farm workers, is the great some of the student volunteers and civil been waiting for decades for something hope of America—not the welfare state. rights workers who come to help are arro- like this and had little to lose, and the Most people today acknowledge that every gant known-it-all types who, though often response to the union was immediate and American should have enough money with intelligent and well-meaning, refuse to overwhelming—even greater than in Cali- which to eat well and live in a decent follow the leadership of experienced or- fornia. Within a month we had signed up dwelling. There are two principal methods ganizers and result in having a disruptive over 1,300 workers. Many of them are now by which this may be achieved. One is the effect on the union's organizing efforts. If marching to Austin, to arrive on Labor welfare state, and eventually the guaran- I ever withdraw from the movement, it Day to demand justice and a state mini- teed annual income. The other is to union- will probably be a result of disputes with mum wage of $1.25 per hour. This is just ize all workers so that the unions may such types. the beginning. This movement is growing demand decent wages and shorter hours in I came to Texas in February to work on by leaps and bounds, it is revitalizing the order that all Americans share the work the boycott against Schenley products entire American labor movement, and it load and the abundance that is produced. which ended with the signing of the con- won't stop until the economic justice the This is both more just and more in keeping tract with the union. Many people urged American Revolution was fought to achieve with a free economic system than the other me to organize farm workers in the Rio has been won. Connally Silent as U.S. Labor Approves

Floresville invitation, and neither of them came to the the Senate the new $1.60 minimum wage As the farm workers from the Valley rally here on the courthouse square. Not a bill (which, for 400,000 newly covered have walked along their switch-back 490- single city or county official attended, farm workers, provides a minimum wage mile route from Rio Grande City to the either; a couple of commissioners' daugh- of $1 per hour in 1967, $1.15 in 1968, and State Capitol, a subtle disagreement has be- ters were there, but not their fathers. $1.30 in 1969). Yarborough concluded come apparent among their spokesmen. "All Devora also invited Atty. Gen. Waggoner his message to them, "Good luck to you." We Want Is Justice" is probably the slogan Carr and Sen. John Tower, opponents for Thus as the marchers, (at this stage usual- the marchers would accept as the best one the Senate seat. Carr did not reply; Tower ly 30 to 50 strong on the road,) plodded on the signs they carry, but is glosses over sent a wire of regrets. And Devora invited into the heart of the state, they plodded the fact that the march arose from a strike Sen. Ralph Yarborough, chairman of the also into the realities of its politics, the for a union but has evolved into a cam- Senate labor subcommittee. Yarborough economic conservatism of all the leading paign for a political objective, a state law wrote back a letter, read to the Flores- officeholders except Yarborough. giving Texas workers a minimum wage ville rally, explaining that he was com - of $1.25. "Viva la Huelga," long live the mitted to stay in Washington to see through September 2, 1966 3 strike, was the battlecry of the strikers under Eugene Nelson in Rio Grande City, but as the more politic and more middle- class clergymen, Rev. James Navarro. and THE TEXAS OBSERVER Father Antonio Gonzales of Houston, © Texas Observer Co., Ltd. 1966 A Journal of Free Voices A Window to the South moved into their central roles in the march 60th YEAR — ESTABLISHED 1906 to the Capitol, the strike was heard of less and less, the minimum wage more. Nelson, Vol. 58, No. 16 September 2, 1966 asked not to speak about the strike so Incorporating the State Observer and the selves written, and in publishing them the edi- much, went on doing so, and thus the dis- East Texas Democrat, which in turn incor- tor does not necessarily imply that he agrees agreement was compromised, Navarro and ported the State Week and Austin Forum- with them, because this is a journal of free Gonzales stressing the minimum wage and Advocate. voices. Nelson opening up his speeches, "Viva la We will serve no group or party but will hew Subscription Representatives: Austin, Mrs. Huelga!" The march has cost a good deal hard to the truth as we find it and the right Helen C. Spear, 2615 Pecos, HO 5-1805; Dallas, as we see it. We are dedicated to the whole Mrs. Cordye Hall, 5835 Ellsworth, TA 1-1205; of money, perhaps $150 or $200 a day, and truth, to human values above all interests, to Denton, Fred Lusk, Box 8134 NTS; Fort Worth, Nelson has been concerned that when it's the rights of man as the foundation of democ- Dolores Jacobsen, 3025 Greene Ave., WA 4-9655; over the marchers will go back to Rio racy; we will take orders from none but our Houston, Mrs. Shirley Jay, 10306 Cliffwood Dr., Grande City and find they don't have own conscience, and never will we overlook or PA 3-8682; Huntsville, Jessie L. Murphree, Box enough money to carry on the strike as the misrepresent the truth to serve the interests 2284 SHS; Lubbock, Doris Blaisdell, 2515 24th of the powerful or cater to the ignoble in the St.; Midland, Eva Dennis, 4306 Douglas, OX 4- migrants return from distant fields. human spirit. 2825; Odessa, Enid Turner, 1706 Glenwood, EM Nevertheless the marchers are marching, Editor and General Manager, Ronnie Dugger. 6-2269; Rio Grande Valley, Mrs. Jack Butler, not only for the strike, but to petition Gov. Partner, Mrs. R. D. Randolph. 601 Houston, McAllen, MU 6-5675; San Antonio, John Connally to meet them at the State Business Manager, Sarah Payne. Mrs. Mae B. Tuggle, 531 Elmhurst, TA 6-3583; Associate Manager, C. R. Olofson. Cambridge, Mass., Victor Emanuel, 33 Aberdeen Capitol on Labor Day and call the con- Contributing Editors, Elroy Bode, Bill Bram- Ave., Apt. 3A. servative legislature into special session met., Larry Goodwyn, Harris Green, Dave Hic- The Observer is published by Texas Observer to enact the minimum wage, and Flores- key, Franklin Jones, Lyman Jones, Larry L. Co., Ltd., biweekly from Austin, Texas. En- ville therefore was one of the main stops King, Georgia Earnest Klipple, Larry Lee, Al tered as second-class matter April 26, 1937, at •on the long, long road north from the Melinger, Robert L. Montgomery, Willie Morris, the Post Office at Austin, Texas, under the Act Greg Olds, James Presley, Charles Ramsdell, of March 3, 1879. Second class postage paid at border. The sleepy little place, Gov. John Roger Shattuck, Robert Sherrill, Dan Strawn, Austin, Texas. Delivered postage prepaid $6.00 Connally's home town, lies near the gover- Tom Sutherland, Charles Alan Wright. a year; two years, $11.00; three years, $15.00. nor's large ranch. Staff Artist, Charles Erickson. Foreign rates on request. Single copies 25c: The chairman of the local committee to Contributing Photographer, Russell Lee. prices for ten or more for students, or bulk greet the marchers, Pete Devora, a Latin- The editor has exclusive control over the edi- orders, on request. American barber, invited the governor and torial policies and contents of the Observer. Editorial and Business Offices: The Texas his brother, Wayne Connally also of Flores- None of the other people who are associated Observer, 504 West 24th St., Austin, Texas 78705. with the enterprise shares this responsibility Telephone GR 7 -0746. vine, a Democratic nominee for the State with him. Writers are responsible for their own Change of Address: Please give old and new Senate, but neither of them answered the work, but not for anything they have not them- address and allow three weeks. "In regard to the 'marchers from the E VEN AS whatever hopes they valley,' we wish to state on behalf of a had about the governor coming out to greet very large number of the members of The them in Austin were weighted down by his Mystical Body of Christ, we do not feel silence and absence in his own town, the 'the marchers' method to obtain better marchers, as strikers, received official living conditions is in keeping with the union recognition. Christian spirit, nor the traditional way of They were taking supper of fried chick- life. en, rice, beans, salad, tortillas, and iced tea "We feel if they would put forth the at La Masias Methodist Church when same amount of effort to equipping their Henry Munoz, head of the equal job op- minds to assume responsibility in connec- portunities program of the Texas AFL-CIO, tion with their work, they would receive arrived in happy haste and went straight much more than they ask for. . . . to Nelson at the head table. Hank Brown, "We state for the record that those in the state labor president, had told Munoz support present A Catholic point of view, to go down to Floresville and tell Nelson and not necessarily THE Catholic point of the news that day from Chicago that the view. In Christian Charity and love, we national AFL-CIO executive council had pray for them unceasingly and in this same granted the farm workers an organizing love, have no intention of imposing our charter. point of view on them, nor making it known Munoz told Nelson that the National by parading in the streets. . . . Farm Workers' Assn. was no more and "Yours sincerely in Christ, Mr. and Mrs. thereafter N.F.W.A. and the AFL-CIO's Scott Donaho, Jr." old farm workers' group would be the Speaking from a truck's flatbed in the dim light of the street mercury lamps as United Farm Workers' Organizing Com- Al Ransom mittee. This means that the farm strikers policemen kept watchful eyes on the situa- in California and Texas are a part of the Juan Villareal, 15, and Pedro Rios 24, tion, Father Gonzales said of Connally, national AFL-CIO and will get an interna- two of the Valley marchers "He is a personal friend of mine, but the tional charter if they carry out their or- governor will not and cannot solve a prob- ganizing work well. Nelson could not con- glos among them, perhaps 300 or 400 peo- lem of this size. It will be solved only by all tain his pleasure; he smiled and nodded, ple in all, standing in the parkway of the intelligent citizens giving the government nodded and smiled. "Did they say how broad street or on the courthouse lawn— a chance to correct the situation. So we are much money?" he asked. Munoz said not Nelson spoke with other reporters. He said not marching to accuse anyone. No one is yet. "I knew the AFL-CIO would get smart he had sent the governor a registered let- to blame, but maybe all of us are to blame. and join the National Farm Workers' As- ter asking him to join them when they ar- We are not looking for an enemy, and we sociation!" Nelson more or less joked. rive in Austin and telling him that a dele- have not found an enemy." Navarro, beside Nelson, was cheered, too, gation representing many groups in Texas Two youths of the march then walked and Father Gonzales, told the news as he would like to discuss the plight of the farm out into the open street between Father arrived late for the meal, seemed much worker with him in Austin. Nelson has Gonzales and the crowd in the parkway and impressed. "Is this a charter to organize made vague allusions to a hunger strike in unfurled a long, crudely painted cloth sign workers all over the United States?" Nel- Austin, or a march on to Washington or to that said, "Action Speaks Louder Than son asked Munoz. "Yes!" was the answer. President Johnson's ranch, if the governor Words." Nelson made his way to a phone booth does not give the marchers satisfaction in Rev. Leo Nieto, speaking for the Texas on the square and called the wire services. Austin, but Nelson did not respond to re- Council of Churches, noted that Jaycees in "I think it's pretty significant," he said porters' suggestions that he tell them more New Braunfels had said the marchers were into the phone as the crowd gathered slow- about these ideas. not welcome there because they were Un- ly in the disappearing twilight, "that we witting dupes of extreme groups, including should receive this tremendous news in THE CATHOLIC and the one communists. Nieto said the county min- the governor's home town. I feel certain Methodist church were the only establish- isterial association there had issued a state- now that he'll meet us on Labor Day at ment support the marchers had in Flores- ment, which the Texas Council agreed the State Capitol, now that we're part of ville. Father Carlos Juenke had gone down with, that there was "no evidence for the the mainstream of the American labor to the marchers' rally in Mission and spoke accusation of communist infiltration of the movement. Also, I think that President for them there, and as the marchers neared march" and that the church is concerned Johnson will feel proud the farm work- his own town there was trouble in his con- for the poor and the growers who are in- ers of Texas are part of the mainstream of gregation. It came, he says, not from An- volved in the strike. the labor movement—have won their place glos, but from well-off Mexican-Americans, Nelson made the announcement about the in the labor movement. A large-scale organ- one especially. In concession to the objec- AFL-CIO and reviewed the history of at- izing drive will be launched to organize all tors, Father Carlos and Msgr. John Ger- tempts to organize farm workers in this of America's farm workers." bermann agreed that the marchers would country. Navarro said that as Nelson spoke Asked about communist infiltration into not use the parish hall, but, Father Carlos for collective bargaining and Father Gon- the march, Nelson said "Oh—Bah! Every said, when he went downtown after that zales for the spiritual values of the march, labor organizer worth his salt since 1917 decision became known, the Latinos looked they should all thank the marchers them- has been accused of being a communist are at him as they would at one who had be- selves. one time or another, and I'm surprised that trayed them. Juenke went to the Monsig- Father Juenke said, "I am proud of you— anyone would pay any attention to charges nor and asked him which side he was on. proud to be associated with you. You have of the John Birch Society, which is the "We felt," Juenke said, "that if we let the chosen the banner of justice, and for that same organization that accused President wishes of the people, fear of getting a bad you are called fools and made fun of. Eisenhower of being a communist. I wish eye, rule our teaching and preaching and Whether you succeed in Austin or not, I these people would turn up one communist actions, we might as well leave town— don't know, but in my mind you have in this group. With all that money they've there's not any need for us here." They already been a tremendous success. You got behind them I don't know why they agreed the marchers _could use the parish have shown us of the word of God what haven't been able to do it if there are hall, and both the Father and the Monsig- tremendous failures that we are — that some communists here." nor walked into town with the marchers. people live not by the rule of God but by As the crowd gathered — mostly Mexi- There was a letter on the front page of the rule of economics. Thank you for what can-Americans but with a number of An- the Floresville Chronicle-Journal about you have undertaken. I just wish I had this, addressed "To whom it may concern," your determination and your courage." 4 The Texas Observer saying: Monsignor Gerbermann asked God to give the marchers the courage to continue, "and ers stood, not as sheep to shepherd, but would be cheaper for him to automate and may they find at the end of their march man to man, and spoke with resentment. not hire workers. Father Gonzales asked that it was not in vain." One of them said he had been reading him if he would work for 40 cents an hour. about the march in the Alamo Messenger, No, he would not, he said, because he AFTER THE RALLY two tall, the Catholic paper in San Antonio, and couldn't as Father Gonzales would know gangly, slightly tanked-up farmers from hearing about it from Father Carlos at if he realized how much he owed at the near Saspamco, wearing overalls, got in an the church, which he attends. He told the bank. Neither side was convinced. They argument with'Father Gonzales. The farm- priest that he couldn't pay $1.25; that it had talked. R.D. From a Senator in Rain to a Church San Antonio meet with the marchers in Austin on Labor march," someone called out from the flat- In a short, dynamic appearance, Sen. Day. Of the letter he said, "It's a strong bed truck, and the Rio Grande City march- Ralph Yarborough gave the Valley march- one, asking him to consider the Valley ers, dressed in worn work clothes, each ers a shot of adrenalin here last Saturday marchers and their efforts to achieve a with a blue bandanna, led the way, trail- morning a few hours before they slogged sadly needed minimum wage." ing behind the well dressed well-wishers, through a driving rain into the San Fer- The marchers carried a large sign, "Viva. perhaps a dozen priests and two large nando Cathedral and the blessings of Arch- la huelga," and they called out, not only contingents of nuns. A few dropped out, bishop Robert E. Lucey. that slogan, but also "Viva Emiliano but not many, and the rain seemed to lift Yarborough told the marchers that 29 Zapata," "Arriba Pancho Villa," and "Viva the marchers' spirits, even though about years ago, when Franklin Delano Roose-, la raza!" State Reps. Curtis Graves, a half of them had neither raincoats nor velt sent his historic message to Congress Negro, and Lauro Cruz, a Mexican-Ameri- umbrellas and were quickly soaked to the for a minimum wage, he said it was in- can, from Houston, were among the march- skin. "It's Saturday anyway," said one; tended to protect workers in factories and ers; Cruz called out, "Abajo con el miedo!" "If you're not all wet you're not with us," farms. During the last three days in Wash- which means "Down with fear!" said Cty. Cmsr. Albert Pena. A priest ington, the senator said, they had mustered pointed to heaven and said, "The' Estab- the necessary votes in Congress to bring AFTER A BRIEF REST in the lishment is even up there," and while con- some farm -workers under the law for the courtyard of St. John's Seminary, whose ceding that God works in wondrous and first time. chapel chimes played continuously during mysterious ways, wished He'd be a little Each state should have its own mini- the stop, the marchers were preparing to more direct. mum wage, yet Texas. has none, he said. set out for downtown when a dark rain However many might have joined - the As a result, he continued, "Texas has more began falling. "Nothing can stop this marchers as they approached the Cathe- people in the poverty bracket than any other state in the union," and this will not change until a minimum wage is passed. "That's one Texas brag we can't be proud `Ghastly Recompense Under the Sun of," he said. The marchers had started out that morn- The sermon by His Excellency, Most Rev. dignity as human beings and they must not ing from Mission San Juan Capistrano, Robert E. Lucey, Archbishop of San An- sell their souls to servitude; they must and Yarborough, whose long suit is history, tonio, during a mass for the marchers at stand up and defend themselves against dis- reminded them that when Father Hidalgo crimination and oppression. . . . San Fernando Cathedral on August 27: raised the first grito, partisans marched It is with a large measure of reluctance My dear brethren: south - from San Juan Capistrano in that and regret that we endorse and approve The presence here of so many Texas cause. "Anglos and Latinos have met here your demand for an hourly wage of a dollar citizens of Mexican descent is a symbol again today to march for a great purpose," and twenty-five cents. No sane man would of a new era in human relations through- Yarborough said. consider that a fair wage in these days out the Southwest and in other parts of our In a burst of enthusiasm Yarborough when the high cost of living requires a nation. Until a few months ago a Mexican- called out, "Viva el campesino! Viva Ameri- much better return for your labor, and we American was expected to be docile in the ca! Viva victory for the workers of Ameri- join you in desiring that this inadequate face of injustice inflicted on him by .certain ca!" wage be granted to you only because you powerful groups. Historically our Spanish Republicans outnumbered Democrats in have known the sorrow of cruel wages in speaking citizens have endured poverty, the past and this objective of yours is a local candidates on the scene—including discrimination, scorn, and contempt from John O'Connell, GOP candidate for county step in the right direction. We would hope, unworthy employers who had forgotten however, that the conscience of America, commissioner against 011ie Wurzbach. State the law of love. It has often happened that senatorial nominees Joe Bernal, Democrat, the power of the government, and your own - honest working people did not dare com- determination will persuade your employ- and Phil Pyndus, Republican, were both plain when they had to work for starvation present. The Republicans gave out a state- ers to behave like human beings and grant wages because they were in a vulnerable you steadily increasing wages so that you ment welcoming the marchers, endorsing position; they could be dismissed from their "a decent living wage. . . . as determined and your families may live in decent and employment and they had no one to defend frugal comfort. between workers and their employees," and them or plead their cause. Some sort of asking for an end to border commuters: A wage of a dollar and a quarter an hour wage, even an unfair one, was better than is ghastly recompense for exhausting labor The official greeter for the city, Council- losing one's job and having no income man Herbert Calderon, sent his excuses under the burning sun of Texas. This ex- whatever.- Through the years our Spanish planation and this apology to the nation are ("a prior commitment") and a letter to a speaking people have suffered in silence rally at Mission County Park, and this so necessary because I' have approved this the injustices heaped upon them either by brutal wage scale. angered the crowd of about 300, they pre, individuals or by a badly organized social vented the reading of Calderon's letter by May God be with you as you march to order. Austin, the capital city of our state, and booing and calling out against it, "No But now our citizens of Mexican descent letters—just bodies." • may your reception there be in complete have learned that there is a law of justice harmony with your dignity as human Walking along at the head of the march, in industry and agriculture which should beings, American citizens, and children of Father Gonzales confirmed a report that by applied to them; they have learned that God. May He bless you abundantly in the "all the bishops of Texas," eight bishops they should not suffer cruelty and dis- years that lie ahead. and the Archbishop of San Antonio, have crimination without protest or complaint; written Gov. John Connally asking him to they have learned that they have a certain September 2-, 1966 5 dral, none did now. But the vast Cathedral A Communication seemed well enough filled with dripping marchers and others. In pomp and cere- mony, altar boys led a procession down the aisles with a likeness of Jesus on the Cross, Notes from Sympathy March . Valdemar Garza of the marchers carried high a painting of the Virgin Mary, two B. T. Bonner, Southern Christian Leader- were now fairly sure of being able to con- other marchers followed with a water- ship Conference field secretary in Texas, tinue until more help came. However, melon and a basket of canteloupes, Erasmo organized a march from Huntsville in sup- about 7:00, the cloudy sky darkening early, Andrade, (recently a candidate for the port of the Valley march—"to show Mexi- we found ourselves stranded by the side of State Senate against Wayne Connally, the cans that Negroes are behind them," he the highway with the prospect of sleeping governor's brother,) bore high a red-bound explained. The group, consisting mostly of out in the open. The others had slept under copy of the Bible, and Archbishop Lucey, Huntsville teen-agers, left Monday, August a bridge Tuesday night, but there was no resplendent in the vestments of his office, 15, and arrived in Houston Wednesday. shelter here, and it looked like rain. It was staff in his left hand, blessed the assembly. Andy Polk leads the marchers, carrying a a little cheering, not much, when a High- During the mass Father Henry Casso de- sign that reads. "Meet us in Austin Sep- way Patrol car drove past; at least they livered a sermon in Spanish on dignity and tember 5." knew where we were. A few seconds later justice, and the Archbishop endorsed a I arrived in Houston Thursday evening three Negroes in a pick-up truck stopped minimum wage of $1.25 an hour as a mini- and was taken to Emancipation Park, to ask if we were having car trouble. They mum wage, but regretfully, as he said it where a rally had just been held. Attend- gave us a ride to Hempstead, everyone was too little. ance was meager, and better results were climbing into the back of the truck, and That night, during a rally at Cassiano hoped for at a second meeting to be held we slept in a Negro motel that night. Park deep in the poorest and most troubled in Lincoln Park. But there, again, very "If this were a civil-rights march," section of the West Side, Eugene Nelson few people showed up. mused B. T., "we'd be staying in one of asked, "Why don't the people who raise the We all slept at the home of a Negro those white motels tonight." "Maybe," I crops themselves have enough to eat? Why family that night; some on the living-room said, and Andy added, "Or in jail." is it our legislators can send rockets to the floor. Things looked bleak as we started B. T., Andy, Jewel Johnson—whose par- moon but not pay a living wage to the out at 6:45 that morning for the outskirts ents own the car we use—and I sat up till people who put the orange juice on their of the city, where the walk was to be re- almost midnight chatting. Except for the tables every morning? Why are there mil- sumed. Whether or not we could continue Johnsons, Bonner, and me, all the marchers lions for HemisFair, but not even a living was on everyone's mind: funds were very are teen-agers; one boy is in the eighth wage of $1.25 for the farm worker?" low, and logistics problems unsolved; no- grade, Jewel is in college, and the rest are Pena, who had marched in the Valley and body knew where we would sleep that high-school students. has spoken to many of the strikers' rallies, night. One car carried the group's belong- The next morning it was raining. My presided. "If we don't get any satisfaction ings, a few quilts that had been borrowed roommate, Ethel, was sick, and a doctor in Austin—nothing less than a special ses- in Houston, and a jug of water ; three was called and she was taken to the hos- sion and a minimum wage—we're marching people, besides the driver, could squeeze in pital. About 8:30 I asked the manager of to Johnson City and we're marching to among the luggage. There were sixteen of the motel if she would give me a cup of Washington," he said. us. coffee. She said she had drunk all she'd Domingo Arredondo, president of the Rio Just before noon we approached a small made but would prepare us a fresh pot. Grande City local of the National Farm business complex consisting of a grocery She brought it to the room in the rain, Workers► Assn., said, "I may not have store, restaurant, and Texaco service sta- with cups, saucers, sugar, and condensed enough English or you may not understand tion. We crossed the highway to buy soft milk, and the adults had coffee. Some of it pretty good. The farmers always claim drinks and use the restroom. "This is the children were eating pears, and I gave they lose on their crops. They can make a private property; you can't come on2I own a package of crackers I'd bought yesterday million dollars and still say they don't make all this block!" the man at the' filling sta- to one of the girls. About 11 we were taken enough to pay the farm worker." tion yelled. I asked Bonner if we had been to a girls' dormitory at Prairie View Col- Declared Rev. Navarro, "No longer must excluded for being marchers or for being lege, where we finally ate breakfast of politicians look at you and say, 'I can con- black, and he answered, "Maybe both." eggs, sausage, grits, and toast. The girl was trol you through so and so and so, and Lack of restroom facilities was a persist- not seriously ill, we learned, and would be that's in the bag!' We'll break that up ent, and embarrassing, problem. "We go able to return after resting for a few throughout Texas, and that will be your behind the bushes," a girl had told me when hours. Some boys, with Johnson and Bon- freedom!" I asked that morning, but on this road ner, resumed walking in the rain, and the Father Gonzales told the crowd of about there weren't any bushes. rest of us stayed behind; "He wants the 400, "I have been told the governor might People from Houston brought a hot lunch fast walkers," we were told. not be there [in Austin]. Let me tell you— out for us, and we spread the quilts and ate Tentative plans for printing leflets are Don't shove the church around." He told of beneath some trees by the highway. "Fix being made here, to distribute as we march a millionaire farmer who had put his finger me a sandwich, and I'll be back!" the through towns: "Farm laborers in south to the Father's nose and told him the Negro driver of a car hollered at us as he Texas are paid as little as 50c an hour; in church should be neutral, and he had re- sped past. Most Negroes waved at us from Huntsville, women who work as maids plied, "We are the heralds of justice. You their cars and trucks as we walked along. usually make about $16 a week — rarely might have millions, but don't shove the Some white people would honk and wave, over $85 a month. A group of people are churches around." The governor had letters also, but there was no way to tell if they marching from the Rio Grande Valley to on his desk, including one "signed by the were being friendly or hostile. Of course, Austin to dramatize the need for a $1.25 Bishops," and Father Gonzales concluded, if they shouted something in which the minimum wage law in Texas; we are walk- "I suggest to the governor to answer those word "niggers" was discernible, or the ing from Huntsville in support of this de- letters and say to us where he will meet raised hand made an obscene gesture, you mand. The two marches will meet in Austin us." knew they weren't being friendly, but often Labor Day, September 5, and present a it was ambiguous. I never felt like waving petition to Governor John Connally asking back at them; you get very race-conscious, for a decent wage standard—$1.25 an hour SUNDAY NIGHT more than a feeling cordial toward strangers if they are —in Texas. thousand marchers, strung out over six black and mistrustful if they are white. I "Passage of the $1.25 an hour minimum blocks, walked with burning candles to the guess that's how Negroes live all the time: wage law, designed to raise the standard Alamo and had a rally there. Monday with white people, you never know. of living of all Texans, will improve the morning they struck north on the super- We had been given some money and whole community; nobody benefits from highway to Austin. R.D. poverty. encouragement on the road that morning 6 The Texas Observer by someone from the Valley march and "Negroes and Mexicans are the 'poor people of Texas.' We want green power— myself, pronounce the curse upon you that The lady who gave us the letter Monday the power of the dollar. . . . God has prepared for him who curses this denouncing us as communists kept driving "If you can't march, come to Austin for great nation. . . ." past Tuesday. The children waved at her, Someone threw a bottle from a passing the Labor Day rally there." car. and after some hesitation she started We got a letter signed with the name of On the march through Brenham students waving back. She gave us candy, cigarettes, Rev. Johnnie Mae Hackworthe saying, "Dr. from Prairie View A&M joined us to make and miniature booklets entitled "Personal Martin Luther King, Jr., is a communist .. . about 55 people in the line. A Negro boy Bible Verses," "Comfort," "Assurance," and so are you all who follow in the foot- from Demopolis, Alabama, joined the "Salvation." steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and march, and two people from Huntsville Mary Umberson, from Hempstead and not in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. . . . I, also came out. Prairie View, Texas. Discrimination in South Texas Carlos R. Guerra Robstown and fifth grades, but by the time we en- Few Anglo-Americans realize how bad tered the fourth grade, the six "acceptable" THE NEXT YEAR I saw my discrimination can be for the Mexican- Mexican-Americans in the predominantly small group of Anglo friends dwindle to American in certain areas of Texas. The Anglo class had dwindled to one other and nothing. The sixth grade signalled the Mexican-American, after many years of myself. It was around this time that a char- beginning of dating. I was one of four living in suppression, too many times ac- ismatic half-pint of a rebel leader arose Latin-Americans in a class of 38. One cepts his limited life as one he was born from the Latin masses in my elementary morning we came to class and every desk- into, his second-rate citizenship and bare school. Known as Beto el Chote (Tex- top, save four, had a invitation on it to a subsistence as fate, and lives out his life Mex for "Beto the Short"), he had an dancing party. The party was the main in service to the boss. amazing ability to raise mobs and was topic of conversation, it seemed. We took Life in South Texas is like this. A native notorious at fisticuffs. After trying to be- our rejection quietly. of Robstown and a student in the Texas friend several Anglos and being regularly That same year I became good friends College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville, rejected, he went on a campaign against with an Anglo boy who needed help on his I know it well. There is a preparation here all Anglos. His terrorist tactics sent shivers homework. I helped him where I could, and for inferiority in schools and social life. down the spines of his fellow fourth- one day he invited me to join the Teen- My schooling in the primary grades in graders. Several complained to our teacher canteen, a recreation club for highschoolers Robstown was uneventful. I spent my first in class one day. Once the topic had been and pre-highschoolers. He said that all it year of school in an all-Mexican-American raised, everyone enumerated the atrocities took was a dollar for dues. We went up to classroom, situated next to an all-Anglo- of Beto and his followers. Finally the the manager of the club, then a junior high American classroom. There were no friend- teacher said, as I remember her words: school coach, and my friend told him I ships between the two classes. Our teacher "These Mexicans are all alike. Why don't a wanted to join. I had my dollar. The coach often reminded us that we should never bunch of you white boys get together and asked my name, and then he asked me to speak Spanish, at school or at home. We just beat him up? That'll teach them a repeat my last name. I did, and he informed tried to speak English, in school at least, lesson!" I looked at the other Latin in me that the Teencanteen was a private since there was always the principal's class. He was looking at me with the same club and told me politely that I couldn't paddle to arbitrate matters. shock I felt. We dared not question our join. I was never more humiliated. I knew The second grade was a different matter teacher; we remained silent for the rest then how untrue the statements are that to me, however. I was placed, along with of the day and when the final bell rang "the Mexicans segregate themselves" and five other frightened Mexican-American we left with a sigh of relief. The Anglo "Mexicans don't want to advance." The children, in an otherwise all-Anglo class, classmates I usually walked home with rest of the school year I wore a chip on my and for the first time in my life I spoke to ignored me, and I walked home alone. shoulder, a chip that grew as time passed an Anglo youngster. Even though none of When the Anglo mob assembled the next until it was the size of a two by four. day to follow the teacher's advice I was the Latin kids had ever had any prolonged While my "equals" in junior high con- asked to join. I refused. They received an contact with Anglos, we made friends tinued on their merry way, we continued on unmerciful beating from the "Meskin quickly and we never minded being referred our not-so-merry separate-but-equal way. gang," and all further plans of anti-Meskin to by our classmates as "the Meskin kids." Robstown Junior High School taught us violence were abandoned. Though there was little ethnic hatred, we that not everyone should be allowed to were never accepted at face value. We The fifth grade was enlightening. Study- vote, even in school elections. A five-cent knew, for example, that the Anglo kids ing geography, the class was split into poll tax was levied on each student who would not accept invitations to play at our groups, each of which was to report on a wanted to vote. Some of the poorer Latins homes, and we were never invited to the South American country. In research work were thus excluded; some could not afford Anglo homes. Outside of school, we noticed, my Spanish came in handy, and in drawing the 35-cent cafeteria lunches. Class elec- our Anglo friends never seemed to recog- posters my capacities for art became a help. tions turned into ethnic battles, Latin nize us. Still we were not excluded from For the first time I felt accepted in the versus Anglo. Campaign posters were much, and none of us mindedit. Anglo group. The leader of the group in- smeared with epithets of hate. Former The token integration of classrooms re- vited me to visit her home after school and childhood Anglo friends begin to refer to mained the same through the third, fourth, help her on some poster work. I accepted me as "Meskin" and "greaser." Ethnic When the Valley marchers passed the invitation and was surprised to find gang fights became commonplace. through Kingsville they were greeted by that her home was very similar to my own. At high school we found that cafeteria about 40 Texas Ack/ students led by Carlos As I had never before entered an Anglo lunches were still 35c, but the school poll R. Guerra of Robstown, a 19-year-old gov- house I was tense and ill at ease. I was tax payments were increased to 25c. The ernment major, a junior at Actl. Suave, offered some cookies and I took one, but I poll tax cut severely into Mexican-Ameri- caustically witty, and well possessed of waited until my hostess began eating hers can participation in student government. himself, Guerra is the son of college-edu- so that I could do the same and keep from Some of us complained bitterly, but most cated parents with middle-class standing offending her by making some mistake in of the Latins were apathetic. After being but not middle-class ideals. He plans to go etiquette. After we delivered the report second-class students for nine years or into college teaching himself and wants to everything returned to normal, and once be a writer. again I was just another "Meskin kid." September 2,1966 7 longer, many accepted their subservient shouted one. The first one to reach me potition. When we charged that the poll kicked me in the groin and I fell to the tax was unfair, the administration of the ground and pretended to pass out. school replied that anyone who really "Oh God," said one, "what'd you do to wanted to vote could raise a quarter. This 'im?" was hard to believe when there were stu- "I don't know. Lets get the f - - - out of dents who wore the same shirt to school here!" five days a week for months because it was I heard them run back into the car; I the only shirt they had. There were stu- was afraid to open my eyes. Above the dents that never ate noon meals because slamming of car doors I heard one say that they could not afford to pay for it, and they it should have been the girl they punished. would not bring a sack lunch because of the They sped away and I got up and drove off. ridicule they knew they would be subjected Realizing what could be done, I broke up to for eating tortillas instead of bread. with the girl the next day and never saw Teachers did, however, urge everyone to her again. pay the poll tax and be good citizens. They I graduated and took a job that summer justified the poll tax as good training in as a lifeguard at the Robstown municipal citizenship. Students, the teachers said, The South Texan swimming pool. There are two swimming should learn that they must pay to vote. pools in Robstown. Few Robstown Anglos The results were obvious. Usually only Rev. Navarro and Carlos Guerra as the ever go to the municipal pool; many of half of the students paid the tax; few them belong to the Robstown Swim Club, Latins ever won elections in the predomin- Marchers Passed through Kingsville which maintains its own private pool. antly Latin high school, and those that won A burly blond man in his early twenties Membership in the Robstown Swim Club were the "chosen ones" with middle-class held the pistol partially concealed under is by invitation only, and to my knowledge ideals who spoke unaccented English and his coat as he leaned against the car, no Mexican-American has ever splashed in were fair complexioned. It was this bunch sneered as he brought his face to the open the water of its pool. who had served in the token integration portion of the window, and cocked the of lower grades; who, once having risen loaded gun. "Whatcha' doin' with that from the depths of poverty and nothing- SOUTH OF ROBSTOWN is white girl, GREASER?" he asked in a low Kingsville and Texas A&I. The college ness, looked down at those less fortunate tone. than themselves; who, once in an elected social life is a shock to most out-of-state "I'm about to take her home," I answered students. office, betrayed their fellow Latins by with a trembling voice. I reached for the voting, for example, for keeping the school The first day I went to A&I, I went to key and started the car. check into the dorm, Poteet Hall. One of poll tax and openly denouncing all attempts "You better, goddammit," he drawled by other Latins to abolish it. They made the the dorm managers checked me in and quietly as he stood up, putting the gun in- asked me my room preference. I said I administration of the school marvel and side his coat. say, "There is tomorrow's leadership for wanted to live wherever it was quiet. As I drove out I heard loud laughter "Second floor is the most quiet," he said the fine Latin people." from several cars, one of which pursued A few of us revolted from the ranks of and looked at the roster for vacancies, "but me. I sped madly through the streets until the only vacancy we got is with an Anglo the "showcase greasers" and stood up for I finally lost my pursuer. the rights of the Mexican-American. We boy." were neatly blackballed socially by our Five months and one girl later, I was not "Hell, I'm not proud," I retorted with compatriots, the appeasers, and the hier- fortunate enough to receive warning. Again indignation. archy didn't stand idle either. One friend, in Corpus Christi, I was dating an Anglo "Wouldn't you rather room with another a teacher, told me that my name was girl. Fearing the obvious, we were careful Latin?" withdrawn from nomination to the Na- about appearing together in public. Among "I'd rather room where I can study!" tional Honor Society by a high school of- her friends, the girl avoided mentioning me "Well, I don't know if this guy would ficial because I was a "shady character." in conversation, and we made it a point like to room with a Latin. Why don't you School life was miserable, so I took full that I should never escort her to any social go up an' shoot the bull with 'im a while. loads and went to summer school and functions. The girl's friends never met me; See if you can git along." graduated at the end of my junior year. I all they knew was that she was going out Fuming, I stormed up the stairs and don't think I could have taken another with someone named "Charlie." knocked on the door. An Anglo boy an- year of that hell. Everything worked out perfectly until swered, and after introducing myself I one night, on our way to a drive-in theater, blurted out; "Are you a Meskin hater?" we were passed by two couples in a late Shock registered on his face while he said THINGS OUTSIDE school were model sedan. Both girls in the car recog- that he wasn't in four different ways. very much the same. Anglos never seemed nized my date as one of their friends. "Good," I said, "I'm your new roommate." to recognize their Latin classmates outside They waved and went on. It was then that Later I found out he was from an Air Force the campus. Two separate societies still I must have been noticed, for the car sud- family and thus was not acquainted with exist in the area around Robstown; the denly slowed down and let me pass. This the South Texas social system. Mexican-Americans and the Anglo-Ameri- time there were no smiles and no one A&I is representative of a South Texas cans do not mix socially. Inter-ethnic mar- waved, they just stared. We got to the community. The Student Union coffee shop riage, or dating, for that matter, is nil. drive-in, and as we stopped to pay, a car can be mapped: Latins sit on one side of a Undoubtedly the biggest taboo for the humped into the back of mine—the -same line and Anglos sit on the other. The inte- Mexican-American is dating Anglos. car that passed me. Once in the drive-in grated weekly dances are the same; Anglos My first confrontation with the unwrit- nothing happened and we forgot about and Latins stay at opposite sides of the ten law occurred when I was in high school. everything. ballroom. I began dating a Swedish girl living tempo- rarily in Corpus Christi, 16 miles away. After the movie I took my date home and At election time the ethnic factor runs After a movie one Saturday night we drove started to drive back to Robstown. Instead high. The Latins, 22% of the student body, downtown to a drive-in restaurant, a popu- of taking the highway, to save time I took have had to resort to bloc voting to gain lar hangout of local teenagers. I left the a farm road. There was almost no traffic any recognition. Counter-blocs usually up- car window on my side open about three except for a car behind me. All of a sudden stt the Latin bloc. At times the ethnic fac- inches. As we were waiting for our Cokes it speeded up and began to overtake me. tor goes openly into advertising. During the I heard the clunk of metal against the As I slowed down to let it pass I was forced last homecoming queen election there were edge of the window. I turned, only to see a off the road. I jumped out of my car and signs cleverly stating, "Remember the .38 caliber revolver staring at my forehead. saw five toughs jump out of the other car Alamo/Vote for Nordmeyer." In another and run toward me. "We'll teach you to popularity contest, the election of the 8 The Texas Observer go out with white girls, sonofabitch," Latana queen and her court, another ethnic

cold war developed. During the heated cam- male housing was the same. We thought it never will like greasers. Stay out of my paign I had inadvertently sat on the Anglo was rather irregular that a state-supported way, Meskin, 'cause I don't want to have side of the Tejas Room (the Student Union school would condone discriminatory anything to do with you or any of your coffee shop). I am fair skinned. While housing and submitted our findings to the sorry lot," and with that he left me. During reading my newspaper I heard someone college president. We were informed the the heated popularity contests, a campaign come to my table. I put my newspaper new college catalog would contain some of restroom wall writing was launched in down and looked at the strange Anglo stu- changes in housing policy. In due time the one of the community showers in my dorm. dent as he said, "Say man, elections are changes came as promised. The college Now around 85% of the writing there is coming up and I just came to remind you abandoned the idea of "approved off- dedicated to childish and obscene diatribes to vote right—vote white." I smiled and campus housing" and replaced it with against P.A.S.O. and Mexican-Americans. asked, "?No puedo votar por la raza?" "recommended lists" of off-campus hous- During the same period the threatening ("Can't I vote for my own kind?") Slight- ing. phone calls never seemed to end. Most ly disgruntled, he managed to stammer, At A&I, while few Anglos will admit came after midnight, the voices obviously "Well, irregardless of the fact, don't forget they are discriminatory or prejudiced, the disguised. These calls usually started with to vote." I corrected his grammar and he "I wouldn't-want-my-sister-to - marry - one" "greaser" or "Meskin," prefixed with some turned several shades of purple and left. philosophy is quite prevalent. Anglo girls obscenity ; the message followed. One caller I joined the A&I chapter of P.A.S.O., the who date Latins risk losing their social life. advised me to "stay away from white girls" Political Association of Spanish-Speaking One Anglo girl I dated was advised by sev- if I knew what was "good for them." Know- Organizations. We received several com- eral "good friends" to stay away from ing what they could do, I complied. plaints of discrimination in housing on and "greasers." She refused to comply and was The school year was ended with my off campus. With the aid of several profes- so well ostracized that she finally trans- being mysteriously hanged in effigy. I sors we investigated a random sampling of ferred to another college. didn't believe it until I saw it, a lifesize approved off-campus housing and found My frequent remarks against discrimina- effigy with a symbolic brown paper sack that 18% of the female housing we checked tion had more obvious consequences. One for a head and a huge sign with my name was so conducted as to be discriminatory Anglo came to me and said, "I don't like against some group. Nine per cent of the greasers, I never have liked greasers, I September 2, 1966 9

Inside Report . . . OXIMS San Antonio Tower and the Liberals .

Thursday, August 4, 1966 * Page 1 - D By ROWLAND EVANS and ROBERT NOVAK THE HOUSTON POST Wed•, July 27, 1966 1 Carr Discusses Thus, Texas liberals this • Year must choose between their heads and hearts. Their heads tell them to breathe. Senate Campaign deeply and back Tower for rem. Their hearts t it them to ignore the contest and go fishingpattraCity t h a In San Antonio 11,2W- By JAMES McCRORY i --,- -.7,-..s. Carr Atty. Gen. Waggoner Carr in- and vote for lower, he ! tends to let U.S. Sen. Ralph Yar- I simply cannot win. And Connally will do all in his borough take the "aye" road if Tower_ loses vision of a t the power to give the President and U.S. Sen. John Tower take i a w-o-TT,''T-- art I the "nay" road, and he'll set Leslie Neal Sr., who spon- erately exas— t 37-77177;77; Demo- I establishment somewhere in between the erous conion,reception'urged arta he gen-said cratic Party and a moderately their own man in the United But Can is getting a I ' 1 en- sored thetribut I States ing suspicion that Tower ban- "$50, WO, won't do it." Seeking conservative Republican Party Senate (as a counter- fades still weig t to liberal Sen Ral h doning his traditionall super- to assuage the feelings a tbose di further into the arm o the who might feel bad in not sup- --:raTICTCar7;71;Tri 77 .ouh). zven conservative position Neal said.. clear that point where the public uld be Tower, would solidify the big money is "The er Man is a fine per- one- party con- min to cart led to believe he is "r ing on porting oth four years trol Tower. IM of Texas by e conserva- le tipoff is the coattails of the D cratic Let hint T that former Gov president." SOTI.from -now, and maybeSen. we Italp'n can tive Democratic establishment Allan Shivers still a formid- nee I ...... ,______,___of Gov John B. Connallz. Can-, the Democratic n suppOrt him." Seniorfor re-electton / ace among right-wing facing junior Sen. Tow Yarborough is up Democrats here, willi v e November, met with a bat Tower no aid and is assumed of key financial supporters at in four y ears. to e tacitly su rtm Carr two-hour cocktail party at the San Antonio Country Club, and delivered a first-hand analysis of how the race is going. Commenting that credit is no Arthur M. Schlesinger quotes JOHN F. KENNEDY: good in politics, Carr told his listeners they could help him fi- nance his campaign, but that "SOMETIMES PARTY LOYALTY ASKS TOO MUCH" • • • he wasn't going to stick around to put the bee on them. He spoke gloomily about the Massachussetts Democratic Party: Carr's speech apparently hit a responsive cord. One architect stood up and told Can- that he'd "Nothing can be done until it is beaten . . . badly beaten. Then made a $4,000 fee and that it was all Carr's, as soon as he obtained a release from another there will be a chance for rebuilding." architect. From A THOUSAND DAYS — John F. Kennedy in the White House (p. 31)

(Pd. Pol. Adv.) THE REBUILDING COMMITTEE, ARCHER FULLINGIM, Chairman, Box 159, Kountze, Texas scrawled in bold black letters. I was genu- But the prejudice and discrimination Latins are understandable but not there- inely scared and I remained quiet for the still exist in sophisticated and personal fore any the less real. remaining week of the school year. forms. Fraternities and sororities at Texas Inter-ethnic harmony is not an impossi- A&I have never found any suitable Mexi- bility; the equality enjoyed by many other can-Americans for their ranks. South Texas ethnic groups now in America proves this. THE LOT of the Mexican-Ameri- schools are still in many cases tokenly But little can be accomplished if only the can has improved. No longer does the Ku integrated or not integrated at all. The Mexican-Americans try. The feeling of Klux Klan ride roughshod over the Mexi- face-slapping terms, "Meskin" and "greas- revenge does not run high among Latins, can-American. The girl that graduated er," are still used. The financially-advanced but the possibility of a "Brown Power" from an area school in the middle '30's Latin still has diffiCulty associating with movement is high. The Mexican-Americans with the second highest grade average and his Anglo financial peers. Public schools of South Texas cannot and will not be was never declared the salutatorian can rest still drill inferiority into Latins by separa- held down forever. Either the Mexican- assured that what happened to her won't tion and by the implication that Spanish Americans become absorbed in the culture happen to her grandchildren. Restaurant is a second-class language. Socially, clubs and the pious hypocrisy ends, or they will doors no longer bar people because of their with membership by invitation only syste- grow powerful enough to take equality. I race or ethnic group. The all-Latin ele- hope the former alternative happens, for mentary schools are no longer called Mexi- matically exclude Mexican-Americans. And the latter might not end discrimination but can wards. the resulting feelings of inferiority among simply switch the positions. Two Comments from Washington Joe Pool's Monstrous Bungling Robert Sherrill

Washington, D.C. a few in this country) feel to be nothing sweat rolled down his pudgy face and his Texas' Joe Pool, who forever looks like short of international murder in Vietnam. arm became exhausted and Congressman an angry toad in search of a subversive fly, Not surprisingly, Bertrand Russell has very Ichord had to act as a substitute banger. has been treating the eastern seaboard to easily recruited an impressive panel to (One student insisted on calling Pool "Joe" some of the indignities Texas had to put up sit as judges in a mock trial of Johnson and Ichord "Richie.") It was, for the most with a decade ago when Pool was in the as a war criminal. part, sheer chaos. Periodically congress- legislature; and, to say the least, the Wash- And then when you add to that the fact men, witnesses, spectators, and lawyers ington-New York cocktailers are embar- that the crassest suggestions for silencing shouted abuse back and forth. Pool virtual- rassed. It's one thing when Pool smears the dissent have come from Texans — from ly lost control of the hearings, and re- Berkeley crowd, but when he starts giving Johnson himself ("God forgive them, they gained control in the afternoon of the first the same treatment to the products of know not what they do," he said, in his day by excluding the anti-Vietnam youths Cambridge and New York colleges, the Christlike way, speaking of us Pharisees), from the hearing room and packing it in- Establishment feels that he is indeed lead- from Congressman Teague ("too much dis- stead with members of various congres- ing the nation into the back alley for some sent is treason"), and now from Pool—it sional staffs, who left their jobs and, at Grecian indecencies. is no wonder that Texas once again begins taxpayers' expense, came in to sit, listen There is a second source of this em- to slip into the old sub-Snopesian stereo- sympathetically to Pool, and crowd out the barrassment, I think, which is a cumula- type. dissenters. tive reaction to what Texas and Texans So far the hearings have seen about 50 have been up to in recent years. Everyone arrests. The most publicized, of course, tries to be nice about it, but they can't FOR THOSE with such weak stomachs that they have not been able to was that of Arthur Kinoy, the A.C.L.U. forget that the man in the White House attorney who had to shout to be heard in simply would not be there today if it had follow Pool's monstrous bunglings on a day to day basis, let me recapitulate by say- the rumble of the hearing room and, for not been for a Texas bullet, and then doing what everybody else was doing, was recently there was the University of Texas ing that Texas' congressman-at-large be- came unhappy because a handful of college seized by four big guards, his arm twisted butchery, and the fellow who chopped up behind his back, one guard choking him the nurses in Chicago turns out to be a students scattered over the country sent some blood and some money (one can in an armlock, the others using various Dallas boy, and now President Johnson is portions of his body to hang on to and conducting what many in Europe (and not imagine what a tremendous windfall a few college kids could scrape together) to the heave. Kinoy weighs about 135 pounds. Viet Cong, so he drew up a bill that would (Earlier the guards had been quite effective The Subtle Gibe allow the federal courts to punish anyone on a boy with a withered arm.) Kinoy went who sends "money, property or thing" to out screaming—and members of the legal The New York Times published this "any hostile power" with a . fraternity across the country immediately excerpt from the HUAC hearing. Coun- $20,000 fine and a 20-year jail sentence. It's not likely took up the scream. Lawyers don't look sel to the committee A. M. Nittle was that Pool was really that angry, but this is favorably upon the mistreatment of one questioning Jeffrey Gordon, a witness. an election year and he figured his con- of their brothers—especially, as in Kinoy's Q. What's your name? stituents would prefer that he act awfully case,' when he is a Harvard graduate with A. What is the relevance of that? angry. So he called for hearings of the a bright reputation—just for the passion- Q. It is relevant. House Un-American Activities Subcom- ate defense of a client. Kinoy says he is A. I will state that the U.S. is the mittee, chaired by himself, and proceeded suing the committee as a whole and Pool aggressor in Vietnam. My name is to subpoena some of the suspected stu- especially. Other lawyers in the case walked Jeffrey Gordon and I identify with the dents. out. Significantly Pool—who must be American revolution. Thereafter all was a massacre—of Pool catching a lot of hell from fellow con- Mr. Pool. I know another man who and his colleagues on the subcommittee. gressmen for stirring up the hornet's nest— identified with the American Revolu- Nothing has gone so wrong around here in 'told some of the defendants that they were tion. I think his first name was Bene- excused until after the November election. dict. months. The students, far from refusing to testify as Pool had expected, launched It is probably fair to say that Pool is into marathon harangues that left him one of the most unpopular congressmen in 10 The Texas Observer banging and banging his gavel until the Washington today. What he's doing may be good for him in Dallas but it's pure paragraph is that it is not true. Smale didn't poison to Democratic congressmen from In Dallas, a Hero's Welcome dodge anything. Last January, before the the north and east and west who not only Pool subcommittee had even thought up must go home and explain why their Demo- Cong. Joe Pool returned to Dallas its gambit, Smale was authorized to take cratic President and Democratic Congress exuding pride and enthusiasm about off this fall to, among other things, attend are leading the nation ever deeper into a the HUAC hearings over which he pre- the International Congress of Mathemati- hopeless war, and raising interest rates to sided. cians this month, where he has received the highest level in 45 years, and scuttling Welcomed home by several hundred the Gold Medal, which in the world of that ghost ship called the Great Society— well-wishers, Pool said, according to mathematics is as coveted as the. Novel but now they have to explain why there the Dallas Times Herald: Prize. So he leased his home and left. No seems to be a rebirth of the McCarthy "I wouldn't do one thing different. secret. madness. . . . It was rule or ruin. I had to per- This distortion in the West Coast press, form. And I did. . . . I was catapulted with Pool's assistance, was protested by the to a very prominent spot—overnight. 260 distinguished professors — at least, IT WAS NO ACCIDENT that And now they're out to get Joe Pool." looking over their position, I would judge the Administration sent expert - witnesses The Dallas News headlined its story, most of them to be distinguished—and the in to testify against every charge made "Joe Pool Gets Hero's Welcome," and Times and the Post just ignored the whole by Pool and to say that no, no, NO they quoted Pool saying: "Little Joe has thing. (In Moscow, Smale said that he is don't want the Pool bill passed. At one been catapulted into a very prominent sueing the Committee.) point everybody thought the hearings were spot in American history. Overnight. I know nothing about the Progressive over, but they were re-opened, and it is . . . I didn't do anything that any other Labor Movement, nothing about the Viet- generally speculated that Johnson must member of Congress wouldn't have nam Day Committee, nothing about the have demanded the chance to troop the done—if he'd come from Texas. . . . May 2 Movement. But I do know that the Administration witnesses in front of the The way I feel is you only pass this statements circulated by Jerry Rubin, one press and make it perfectly clear that if way one time and it'd be nice to be able of the subpoenaed defendants, could have there is any blame for bad taste, it to contribute something while you're been written by Senator Morse or Senator shouldn't be laid anywhere but at the here. If I do say it myself : I con- Gruening, whose patriotism nobody (except broad feet of Mr. Pool. tributed something this past week." ❑ President Johnson and Senator Russell The committee's first informer-witness, Long) has yet questioned. Phillip Luce, a graduate of Mississippi As Rubin says, we are, by supporting State University, posed as an expert on have said that it was constructed about as ' who the innermost affairs of the Progressive loosely as Snuffy Smith's cabin. It would the Premier Ky crowd, supporting men Labor Movement (supposedly Marxist), but forbid everyone from sending anything to were traitors to their own country. Nine he had been a member only from July 1964 "any hostile foreign power," not just coun- of the ten top generals in South Viet Nam tries that the U.S. is actually fighting. The fought on the side of the French against to January 1965. Anyway, to nobody's sur- the Vietnamese. They are not to be trusted. prise, Luce revealed that the PLM method way our State Department is fussing with for overthrowing the government is cen- deGaulle, that could mean France. Seeing Senator Gruening has repeatedly made the as how we insist on keeping NATO set up same point. So has Senator Fulbright. So tered in all those ghetto riots. (Those wzo has Senator Morse. Jerry Rubin reminds recall Pool's earnest advocacy of the "hate as a military buffer against Russia and bills of 1957" in the Texas legislature can the East, it would mean any country over us that General Eisenhower himself has imagine that Luce's testimony on this that way, even though we have diplomatic written that if an election had taken place point was not unwelcome to the chairman.) relations and trade going with them. Under in 1954, as was conceived by the Geneva But Attorney General Katzenbach was on a storm of objections the committee convention, Ho Chi Minh (who, incidental- capitol hill almost the next breath, testify- amended the bill to narrow it to sending ly, used language from the American . Declaration of Independence in writing the ing that the riots are not instrumentalities material aid to military enemies, then of the communists but are the overflow of passed it out by a 7-0 vote. • Vietnamese Declaration of Independence) impoverished disenchantment. Press coverage has been desultory and would have gotten 80% of the vote. Several Then, in what seemed to be a spirit of sometimes slipshod. Neither the Times nor dissenting U.S. senators have made the almost forcing their way onto the witness the Washington Post (which pride them- same point. stand to repudiate Pool, came experts from selves on the completeness of their cover- Rubin shames us for trying to be "police- the Department of Defense, the Treasury age) said anything, so far as I could dis- men to the world." That's subversive? In . Newsweek Walter Lippman Department, and-another witness from the cover, about the fact that a statement was the August 1 Attorney .General's office. They said the circulated, signed by 260 professors from says the U.S. "is quite unable to be the world's policeman." 01' subversive Lipp- Pool bill was not needed, that legislation Berkeley, Cornell, Harvard, and other uni- already on the books took care of aiding versities, protesting Pool's having helped man is at it again. I find nothing in Jerry the enemy, and that as a matter of fact create the "damaging smears and innuen Rubin's printed statement of August 16 (this was from an Air Force brigadier does" aimed at Dr. Stephen Smale, a Uni- that I do not read almost daily in the Con- general) the anti-war demonstrations have versity of California professor and sup- gressional Record. Of course, this may be no adverse, effect at all on the morale of porter of the Vietnam Day Committee, the very thing Pool wants us all to notice, U.S. troops. which is one of the targets of the Pool with the slop-over conclusion that there Just in case Pool still didn't get the investigation. are some Berkeley-types in the House and message, over on the Senate side Minority Pool rigged it very nicely. He released Senate as well. Now, whose strategy would Leader Everett Dirksen said "this spectacle the names of the persons who had been that be? can do the Congress no good," and Majority subpoenaed (although this violates Rule Leader Mike Mansfield said if the bill ever 16 of the House committee's rules of pro- POOL IS VERY OPEN about gets out of the House it will certainly never cedure) to Ed Montgomery, a reporter one thing: if there is no war, then there get out of the Senate judiciary committee. for the San Francisco Examiner, a Hearst is no validity to what he is asking; that is, It was their way of saying they considered newspaper that is, of course, very gung-ho the suppression of "aid to the enemy." As the show selfishly aimed only at getting in regard to the Vietnam war. it happens, during the past ten days I have one man re-elected. The fact that Dirksen, Montgomery's story opens : been interviewing the dissenters of the who is one of the crassest showmen in House and Senate for a magazine piece, "Dr. Stephen Smale . . . is either on his and I have not found one man among them Washington, was perturbed, illustrated, way or is in Moscow, the Examiner learned The New York Times editorialized, "how who did not say he will be silent, that he today. will not make one chirp in opposition to the low the House Un-American Activities has "In leaving the country, he has dodged sunk in public esteem." Johnson program, if war is declared. That a subpoena directing him to appear before seems fair enough. But after all, if there the House Committee on Un-American Ac- are a dozen men in Congress who do not AS FOR THE CONTENT of the tivities in Washington." original Pool bill, Mansfield and others The only thing wrong with the second September 2, 1966 11 feel war has been declared, why should the istration has gingerly avoided trying to of Vietnam policy is its persistent refusal students feel restrained? Congressmen explain. to be silenced. We hope that continues to should know, since Congress is supposed While the New York Times muffs its be the case. Every citizen shares the moral to be the war-declaring power, the Tonkin reporting duties, it is steadfast editorially responsibility for this country's conduct. Gulf farce notwithstanding. It is generally in support of completely free dissent (some- If he believes his country's conduct to be agreed around here that LBJ doesn't try thing the Washington Post, which can't re- wrong, but fails to speak out, he is be- to declare war because (1) he doesn't port, either, is a bit wishy-washy on). But traying his own obligations as a citizen ..." know whom to declare it against (the Cong the greatest newspaper in the country in That is the best answer I have seen to only? the North Vietnamese only? the this regard is the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. the Pool uproar. It is a tragedy that the Chinese?) and (2) on this point he is not Not long ago the P-D editorialized: "One Post-Dispatch is in St. Louis and not in at all sure he would not be rebuffed by a of the striking things about the criticism Washington. 0 Congress that up to now has seemed com- pliant enough. Pool's opening statement of purpose carries this paragraph: GOODBYE TO MOHOLE "Over and above the fact that we are engaged in a war today, de facto, if not Washington, D.C. one congressman noted retrospectively: de jure, I would like to point out that the Adios, mother. To say that the end of "Immediately upon the proving of the Constitution declares that treaties made government support for Mohole — the feasibility of drilling the Mohole, the Na- under the authority of the United States Brown & Root-administered experiment in tional Science Foundation disbanded the `shall be the supreme law of the land.' deep sea drilling—came as a shock even outstanding group of scientists which had Citizens therefore have a duty to observe to many members of Congress is certainly done the original deep drilling and got a treaties and to refrain from any activity no overstatement. Just about everybody bunch of high-powered businessmen who which would impede or obstruct the United thought that somehow at the last minute had never drilled a hole bigger than a States in the execution of its lawful treaty President Johnson would do the Johnson cesspool anywhere in the world before and commitments. U.S. forces are committed twist on enough arms to save the project. put them in charge of the program. It was to Vietnam under a supreme law of this not any more than a year before the cost land, the Southeast Asia Collective Defense About four months ago D. S. Greenberg, writing in Science, acknowledged that with of the whole operation was better than Treaty, signed by this country in accord- doubled." ance with constitutional process on Sep- the death of Congressman Albert Thomas the Brown brothers were conspicuously This is not quite accurate. Brown & tember 8, 1954." Root has dug holes deeper than a cesspool, The kindest thing that can be concluded without any great horde of friends in Con- gress—"if Mohole has any friends in the but the congressman is correct in what he from this is that Pool can't read. If he says about the cost jump. And it kept could he would know that the Southeast Capitol they are hard to see for the multi- tudes that are sore about the whole busi- jumping. Asia treaty forbids our being in Viet Nam. From the beginning the National Science This is one point that the Johnson admin- ness"—but he went on to express the gen- eral prediction: "Mohole must be likened Foundation's role in this was smudged. 12 The Texas Observer •to the serial hero who is sealed in a cya- The N.S.F. is not supposed to admiister nide-gas-filled lead casket and dropped into science programs, it is just supposed to the depths of the sea. The next episode hand out money for basic research; but it "In the 11,1 of opens with 'After our hero's miraculous has administered Mohole, and not at all ef- Downtown Dallas- escape. . . " fectively. It ran into trouble in 1962, and That's the way it was supposed to hap- probably laid the groundwork for the de- 24-Hour Coffee Shop pen. But it didn't. On a standing vote a feat of Mohole's appropriations this year, sufficiency in the House said that by when by a secret arrangement it awarded heaven they were tired of being asked by the contract to Brown & Root although a the White House to cut down or do without panel of experts had recommended two truly virtuous projects while at the same other firms. Brown & Root's bid was not the time giving more and still more—in this go- low bid. In fact, it was 50% higher than round $20 million—to Mohole. One con- the low bid. gressman seemed to capture the mood of At first the N.S.F. refused to reveal the the day when he called it Rathole. contractual maneuverings, saying this When Project Mohole—which was sup- would not be "in the public interest." Only posed to discover a way to dig through the after the Los Angeles Times and California earth's crust under the ocean about 100 Senator Kuchel raised a national stink and miles from Honolulu—was dreamed up at President Kennedy intervened and ordered a morning breakfast of geophysicists about the information made public did most of eight years ago, it was thought that it the hanky-panky come out. Most, not all of could be completed for between $15 and $20 it For its work Brown and Root was guar- million. In November, 1963, the official anteed $1.7 million. Senator Kuchel said $5.00 up estimate was $16 million. But at last esti- "politically powerful" selfish interests had mate the cost had climbed well over $100 intervened on behalf of Brown & Root. No- No Charge for Children Under 18 million. What happened? Well, he may 24-Hour Coffee Shop have been putting it a little crudely, but Radio-Television Completely Air Conditioned #rflutz' FREE INSIDE PARKING POLECAT MOUNTAIN Is Since 1866 a new community in the Ozark lake country. We have homesites in several The Place in Austin HOTEL price ranges and sizes. Interested? °Atria Write: GOOD FOOD TIGER TUCKER Commerce-Murphy-Main Streets GOOD BEER Telephone: Riverside 2-6431 Polecat Mountain, Incorporated 1607 San Jacinto Dallas, Texas P.O. Box 524, Rogers, Arkansas 72756 GR 7-4171 body ever learned for sure who the "po- was that it would greatly benefit the oil technology developed for Project Mohole litically powerful" people were, but there industry. Nobody in either the Senate or will find immediate application wherever were a lot of similar guesses. the House, made the point that it could be drilling, coring, and sampling are done, considered a pay-off, all right, but not to whether on land or sea." George Brown. A couple of congressmen Swell—nobody wants to block progress, CONGRESSMAN RUMSFELD, did mention that Mohole would benefit the a Republican from Illinois, offered the as Ben Barnes says. But let the oil com- oil industry, but they talked like that was panies pay for it. That was not only the House the club to kill the bill when he a great thing. pointed out that George Brown and some feeling of Congress, but also the feeling of It is generally believed that there is far many scientists. Last fall Greenberg re- of his kinfolk had contributed $25,000 to more oil out yonder under the oceans than the President's Club, Johnson's private ported in Science that in a secret poll taken remains to be found on the continents. It among scientists at Woods Hole, Massa- political kitty, and that just a few weeks will cost many millions to develop the later Johnson sent a letter to Congress chusetts, to determine preference between floating platforms and the drilling tools to "Mo-hole, Slow-Hole, or No-Hole," the vote asking that it be sure not to kill the $19.7 explore for this oil; but no industry can million needed to continue Mohole. The was unanimously for "No-Hole." They felt better afford to pay its own way. As long Mohole was draining off too much money implication, of course, was that Brown's as Albert Thomas lived, and as long as men money had swung the President behind the from other science projects financed like Bob Casey and Lyndon Johnson live, through the N.S.F. Immediately after news ocean experiment.* there will be men in government who try This is farfetched, as everyone in Texas to ease the burden for the oil industry, September 2, 1966 13 knows. George and the later Herman however, and this is one of those times. Brown, the late Sid Richardson, and the Be not deceived about Mohole. Senator Texas Society Murchisons were Johnson bankrollers for Moss of Utah was on the right track when years and years, and it's ridiculous to he said, promoting the experiment for his I to Abolish think that another $25,000 one way or the mining constituents: "The engineering i other would knit their palsmanship any effort being expended on Project Mohole Capital Punishment closer. It seems to me that the obvious will not bring scientific knowledge alone. reason Johnson was for the appropriation The knowledge gained in developing new memberships, $2 up tools, techniques, and equipment will in- *According to Congressman Rumsfeld, the crease the depth capability of the oil in- P.O. Box 8134, Austin, Texas 78712 Brown family—that is, George Brown and dustry by 40 percent. . . . The new drilling Olow••■■■■•■=1.14■1,■csam•■■■■■■..m...m.o...... ■o■n...... his three married daughters and their husbands —gave gifts to the President's Club as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Negley of San Antonio, $4,000 each; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph T. O'Connor of Houston, $4,000 each; Mr. and Mrs. James H. Mathis of Edinburg, $3,500 each; and George Brown, $2,000. Rumsfeld said that there is nothing illegal about contractors with the government giving political gifts and that he AMERICAN INCOME was making no accusations about the motives of the Brown family. George Brown was quoted by Jack Cleland in the Houston Chronicle that it was "ridicu- lous" to suggest the contributions were con- LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY nected with Mohole. Asked whether he had in- spired the contributions, Brown said, "We do things in a family way. . . . It's their money, not mine. They like the Democrats the same as I do." The contributions were pledged earlier OF INDIANA this year, "long before this thing came up," Brown said. "We still think we could do a good job on it. . . . That's all we wanted, not the money." Brown also told Cleland that Mohole would charge B&R only about $200,000 in fees this year, and that any-way he no longer owns the Underwriters of the American Income Labor company—he "gave it away" four years ago to a foundation that sold it to a Dallas firm in which he owns only "a little stock." A spokes- man for B&R said the firm had 217 employees Disability Policy on its permanent payroll at Project Mohole. Both Texas senators defended Mohole. Sen. John Tower said he didn't know of any rela- tionship between the contributions and the President's support of Mohole and supported the appropriation. Sen. Ralph Yarborough said scientific inquiry—the attempt to find out about Executive Offices: the composition of the earth—will suffer. Campaign Cards & Placards & Bumperstripz & Brochures & Flyers & Letterheads 8z Ems, elopes &• Vertical Posters & Buttons & Ribb ons & Badges & Process Color Work & Art P.O. Box 208 Work & Forms & Newspapers & Political P rinting & Books & Silk Screen Work & Magz r 1 • 1 el nt is Waco, Texas ti UTURA PRESS t. 0 HI 2.8682 rs IF 2 HI 2-2426 ds u. Bernard Rapoport, President t o 1714 SO. CONGRESS

M AUSTIN iC al s & Silk Screen Work & Po itical Printing & Novelties & Mimeograph Supplies & Convent: of that poll reached Washington, Green- the mass transportation idea, etc. It is fast go0 In its newspaper, Texas AFL-CIO in- berg reported, Johnson's science advisor, becoming a reckless Congress. To say the dicated displeasure with Tower for Donald F. Horing, said "it would be po- least, it no longer fears Johnson. Senator voting to force the airline machinists back litically embarrassing and financially Vance Hartke of Indiana told me the other to work (notwithstanding the fact, the wasteful to turn back." A couple of weeks day that "since last August, when business paper noted, that Sen. Ralph Yarborough later, apparently in an effort to make it beat Johnson on the open-shop clause and voted the same way) and also called at- seem even more financially wasteful to people found out he could be beaten, none tention to Carr's letter to Texas manufac- turn back, the N.S.F. awarded a $29.9 of his legislation has got through without turers calling a "yellow scandal sheet" million contract for the construction of the being cut to pieces." Hartke hates John- which had said he had "agreed to support floating platform. The argument, "We're son, so he isn't to be trusted as the best the legislative program of organized labor" in too deep to turn back," is an old one judge. But Senator Frank Church agreed an example of "unfair tactics." Labor's around here, especially when promoting that "there has been some erosion," which, renewed conclusion: no change in the situa- the more flimsy pork barrel projects. The coming from Church, who is no flamboyant tion. Corps of Engineers uses it all the time. fellow, gives Hartke some support. Thus Congress said it was willing to throw away Tower's Strange Note BUT the N.S.F. reckoned not on $20 or so million—whatever has been the climate of this Congress, which has wasted on the project so far—and plug the goof Both Tower and Carr are hawks ; but been told it should cut the school lunch hole. It was a slap against Johnson that Tower sounded• a strange note last program, the school milk program, cut surely must have been heard across the week. He endorsed the proposal of Republi- back on various popular loan programs, country. Johnson doesn't control this Con- can Sen. Thruston Morton of Kentucky gut the demonstration cities project, forget gress any more. R.S. that an "all-Asian conference on peace in Vietnam be considered." Tower said he ci spoke not of a peace that "appeases the enemy," but one "that guarantees the free- dom of the 14 million people of South Viet- nam." He went on: Political Intelligence "We must back our men in Vietnam. . . . But, if there is another way to protect the freedom of the people of Southeast Asia, fro Speaker of the House Ben Barnes was choice, all governments become closed so- a way less costly in terms of American quoted from Washington in the Dallas cieties in which the electorate has no real lives, we must seize upon it." Times Herald as saying, "I doubt the wis- alternative." V Texas labor held its annual summer dom of people who are interested in re- V The state convention of the Political youth conference at St. Edward's Uni- sponsible government allowing a two-party Assn. of Spanish-speaking Organiza- versity. Chris Dixie, president of the Texas system to get under way." tions (PASO) in San Antonio did not seri- Liberal Democrats, told the 100 youths that He made this remark in the course of ously consider endorsing Carr; despite Tower should be supported to strengthen discussing the support he believes Demo- Tower sentiment, they took a hands-off the two-party state. Both candidates have cratic county commissioners and judges position, leaving local chapters free to the same viewpoint, he said. Marvin CO1- will give Waggoner Carr, the Democratic • endorse or skip it. Cty. Cmsr. Albert Pena lins, executive director of the Texas . GOP, nominee for the U.S. Senate against Sen. of San Antonio argued that unity was more told the youngsters that he favors a' state John Tower, the Republican. If Tower is important than the case for going either minimum wage of $1.25. T.L.D. has sched- sent back to Washington, he said, "Tower way was valid. The final executive session uled an open executive committee meeting will be down in Texas two years from now vote was 38 votes for no endorsement, 7 in Austin Sunday, Sept. 4, to encourage trying to build a two-party state." • for Tower, and none for Carr. Tower spoke, its members to come to Austin for the mentioning that he had introduced a bill Valley Marchers' rally on Labor Day and "I am astounded," said Peter O'Donnell, to plan a voter registration drive. Jr., Republican state chairman, "that he__ to expand the U.S. Equal Employment Op- would express in our nation's capital a portunities Cmsn. by two members and V The heads-up work of pro-Tower people desire to leave government in the hands hoped they would both be Latin-Americans. is apparent in a column by Rowland of one party. The Republican Party is not Carr did not come, but sent a letter saying Evans and Robert Novak calling attention for monopoly in government. We stand for Mexican-Americans hold high posts in his to Jack Valenti's active leadership for Eis- a meaningful choice. . . . Without that office, while Tower would have voted enhower for President in Houston in 1952. against social security, thinks paying farm "What makes this partinent," the column- 14 The Texas Observer labor more than 85 cents an hour would be ists say, "is the fact that today Mr. John- inflationary, and protested when the labor son and Texas political allies are appeal- department insisted that Mexican-Ameri- ing" to party loyalty for Carr, and "Tower cans be permitted to swim in public pools forces are now arguing that Valenti . . . SUBSCRIBE in Slaton, Tex. Tower retorted in a letter didn't hesitate to bolt the Democratic Party to the San Antonio. Express that he has for Ike." OR RENEW supported social security, including two V Sen. Tower's introduction of the bill raises in the benefits. PASO endorsed Re- for federal participation in HemisFair THE TEXAS OBSERVER publican Albert Fay for land commissioner, was interesting. Ordinarily Sen. Yarbor- as the Texas AFL-CIO did before it. 504 West 24th Street ough would have introduced it, but Yar- borough has blasted HemisFair for making Austin 5, Texas Gov. John Connally the fair's commission- Enclosed is $6.00 for a one-year MARTIN WANT er. Tower said he did not anticipate any subscription to the Observer for: trouble about the bill from either side of (Concluded on Page 16) I Name Sun Life of Canada Address 1001 Century Building GARNER & SMITH City, State Houston, Texas This is a renewal. BOOKSTORE 2116 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas El This is a new subscription. CA 4-0686 Mail order requests promptly filled S.

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J. D. BEDFORD ASSOCIATES Address Suite 315, 1st Nat'l Bank Bldg. Waco, Texas I Belong To Local Union — Eke. the aisle. Political credit accrues to Tower from 1956 to 1964, has been nominated by as the Senate sponsor of the bill, and to Carr on $1.25 Johnson for a seat on the U.S. court of whatever extent Yarborough is in on this Carr topped Tower for subtlety on the claims that pays $33,000 a year. . .. The latest move, the state's senior senator seems v subject of • the Valley marchers' de- Dallas News' Jimmy Banks reports that he to be working along with Tower pretty mand for a $1.25 an hour state minimum tried to interview the President's business well. wage. Not endorsing such a law, Carr told trustee, A. W. Moursund of Johnson City, V Republican leaders in Washington are the Houston Chronicle he thinks farm and couldn't get through to him. . .. The reportedly saying Tower would be a workers should get wages "even above LBJ Library at the University of Texas is good vice-presidential candidate to run with $1.25 minimum" and that "The farmers, to cost $11 million. . . . Having laid low George Romney, reasoning that a Texas on the other hand, are averaging less than five months, the Gillespie County commis- conservative would match up well with a 1.5% on their investments. This is too low sioners are starting condemnation proceed- Northern moderate. This rumor is obvious- and should be increased also." Carr said he ings again for the LBJ state park across ly timed to help Tower get re-elected (as will "devote my full efforts to government from the LBJ ranch. also are Tower's frequent assignments agriculture programs which will raise the 1000 Sen. Yarborough steered through to handling legislation for his party in the income of the farmers so they can pay final passage the $1.60 minimum wage Senate these weeks), but a ticket with better wages—even above $1.25 minimum. bill. "There were cries of economic dis- Tower No. 2 is not to be discounted be- . . . I think both sides need help." aster when this law first was enacted in cause there would be some appeal having a Carr told the Texas Retail Grocers' Assn. • 1938," he said. `Tut . . . the act has served Texan on the ticket and Tower's Goldwater he does not like the Senate bill on unem- as a foundation to establish a standard of connections might make him a serious pros- ployment compensation that would qualify living in this country second to none." pect, depending on how the ball bounced. each claimant for 26 weeks' benefits. Yarborough voted against the prevailing V Tower fought against the mass transit Under this, he said, a worker "who desired Tower motion to cut the urban mass transit program for the cities, handling the to loaf for a while -could quit, cause his program by $75 million a year, and of opposition for the GOP, succeeding in re- discharge, and then, after six weeks, draw course Yarborough favored the bill over- ducing the appropriation from $225 million unemployment compensation for 26 weeks." all. While Tower opposed amendments to to $150 million a year, and voting against Backing him up, his state campaign man- reduce the $58 billion military spending the entire program. He cited inflation and ager, Tommie Butler, said that if Tower bill, Yarborough did not vote on them. the need to rely on local government as his had any power in either party he could Tower opposed, and Yarborough again did main reasons. have headed off the bill's "bad features, not vote on, the Senate's authorization for He said he cannot support the 1966 civil including federal standards and the fed- Johnson to call up the Reserves (authoriza- rights bill "until" its meaning is clear, and eralization of the state unemployment sys- tion killed by the House). in no event will he vote for it "if it violates tems," on the Senate floor. The Senate bill The President's beautification program the right for a homeowner to sell when and also dropped 175,000 of,the additional 265,- barely missed being shaved $493 million how he chooses." (Carr has said no new 000 Texas workers who would have been in the House by a vote of 175-173. For the civil rights laws are needed.) covered by the House bill, Carr contended. cut were Burleson, Cabell, Dowdy, Fisher, Tower sided with HUAC against the brief Otherwise, Carr's policy discussion has Rogers, and Teague of Texas. court attempt to stop its recent hearings concentrated on more proposals to crack On the $150 million a year mass transit and opposed the cut-off of Mohole funds down on crime—including increasing cer- bill, Texans divided this way: For, Beck- and the rider against the ,F-111 (TFX) tain punishments for crimes with firearms worth, Brooks, Cabell, Casey, Gonzalez, plane's being bought. He has taken up his and prohibiting persons convicted of mis- Patman, Thomas, Thompson, Whit e, party's line that the Democrats are causing demeanors or felonies involving violence Wright, Young. Against, Burleson, de la high interest. from possessing firearms. To the Texas Garza, Dowdy, Fisher, Mahon, Pickle, He has announced many committees for Youth Conference in Austin he condemned Poage, Pool, Purcell, Roberts, Rogers, his re-election — committees of dentists, "selective disobedience" of laws. He iden- Teague. real estate brokers, women ("Woman tified "a new breed of crime . . . crime Beckworth, Brooks, Burleson, Gonzalez, Power for Tower"), youth—and will make committed in the name of justice . . . crime Patman, Thomas, Thompson, and Young a three-day, 3,000-mile, 22-city campaign committed in the name of righteousness." also voted against the prevailing motion tour Sept. 8-11. that cut the mass transit funds House-side by $25 million. 16 The Texas Observer Just as we are closing this issue, this clipping has belatedly come to our atten- V Cong. Henry Gonzalez, San Antonio, tion: will be given a big testimonial dinner "Galveston— ... Waggoner Carr ... here Sept. 9. Tickets are $10 each. The San An- to address the Galveston Rotary Club. . . . tonio Express reported that contractor H. said he would approve dropping the atomic bomb to win the war in Vietnam if the B. Zachry signed up for $500 worth of joint chiefs of staff would recommend it. them and Sheriff Bill Hauck took another " 'They (chiefs of staff) are the profes- $200 worth, and that state Democratic vice sionals. They should decide,' he said." chairman Mrs. Alfred Negley and Good —Houston Chronicle, August 18, 1966 Government League people were pushing them hard and successfully. Bexar County I- The pre-state Democratic convention Democratic chairman John Daniels, dis- dinner Sept. 19 in Austin will be a regarding Republican criticism, went ahead $25-per-plate fund-raiser for Carr. Evi- with plans to publish a program for the dently the governor has decided to sit to dinner in which advertisements are being one side while Carr moves front and center. bought by business firms and individuals. Previously this pre-convention banquet has Ads are being sold for $110 and $200 and centered on the governor. sponsor "listings" for $25. V The AFL-CIO is not sponsoring the Watson for Carter Bonner sympathy march from East Texas. . . . A San Antonio youth was v Cliff Carter, one of the President's hustled off-stage from the Texas Youth closest aides, having quit as executive Conference when it became apparent he director of the Democratic National Com- wanted to press for $1.25 an hour and mittee, it is now reported that Marvin backing for the marchers. Watson, LBJ's appointments secretary, will V The A. J. Carrubbi lawsuit has con- replace Carter as the President's proxy on firmed that Republicans can't vote in the committee. . . . Byron Skelton, Demo- Democratic runoffs, but Carrubbi lost any- cratic national committeeman from Texas way. ❑