The Texas Observer JULY 21, 1967 A Journal of Free Voices A Window to The South 25c A TEXAS MURDER, A FEE-LESS LAWYER, AND THE HIGH COURT Washington, D.C. Until the moment he was arrested by the There is absolutely no doubt that some- Midland officer he had no police record— T HESE WERE the grassroot one killed Mrs. Marvin Clewis one day or not even raps for crap shooting or steal- circumstances that brought Reagan Legg, night back there in 1962. Her bones were ing watermelon, though he had long lived a 44-year-old Midland lawyer, Methodist found one hot July day, protruding from in parts of Texas where The Law hasn't Sunday School teacher, and — by Mid- the desert sands just outside Midland, by been any too particular about a Negro's land standards — a raving Liberal, to two rabbit-hunting teenagers. civil rights. He had always been a steady Washington on 'a windy, cheerless, gray worker and of even temperament. If you day of recent vintage. The lady had been reported missing didn't bug Marvin he wouldn't bug you. some weeks before on complaint of her Lawyer Legg arrived two days before husband. Bulletins were routinely broad- The Midland police, however, bugged Marvin almost to the extent of turning it he would argue before the Supreme Court cast by police radio, Marvin Clewis went for Petitioner in Marvin Clewis v. State back to work in the oil fields and, pre- of Texas. He was nearing the end of a sumably, few people lost sleep. His lady Larry L. King five-year legal war, and he might have had a way of vanishing without due notifi- been presumed a bit weary and discour- cation to her next-of-kin, only to turn up into an art form. They bugged him for aged: he was a court-appointed lawyer later full of recriminations, tears, and thirty-eight hours before his delayed ar- for an indigent client, he had already in- promises. raignment and for a while after it — vested $3,000 in cash and $15,000 in time Though this time Mrs. Clewis turned up without his knowing a lawyer, food, drink, in exhausting other appeals so as to get through sand and in a very fatal sense, sleep, or excess Official Kindness. Finally before the Supreme Court, he had never nobody set off any immediate fireworks. ("When I would of done anything to cotch truly specialized in criminal law. All this The Midland county sheriff's office, at- some sleep and git a glassa milk") he "country lawyer" had to do was appear tempting to notify Marvin Clewis of his signed a lurid confession telling how he'd before the nation's highest judicial tri- wife's grisly fate, and learning from a shot his wife and dumped her in the bunal with another man's freedom at relative that he was working near Borger, sands. Then The Law yawned, went home, stake. Myself, I would have been up so quite casually asked that Clewis get in and let Marvin Clewis sleep. tight I could have played the bongo touch at his convenience. Telephoned by Not for long, though. Somebody remem- drums simply by' combing my hair. Legg his sister, Cles,vis took an attitude less bered a bit tardily that Mrs. Clewis hadn't hit town laughing, cracking so many jokes casual than that of the sheriff's depart- exactly been shot. She had, for a fact, in that direct-from-Kaufman-Texas-to-you ment. He drove directly from Borger, been garroted by a belt around her neck. accent of his that I privately judged his arriving at the Midland county courthouse The Law rushed back to Marvin's bedside intellect.* on a Sunday evening at 9 p.m. After a to say they sure would appreciate a con- two-hour conversation with deputies, he fession a little more consistent with their Time and a few Scotch-and-waters, how- ever, revealed Legg's concern. He told of was asked to report back to Sheriff Ed physical evidence. Marvin, who hadn't got the months of work that had gone into Darnell the following morning. He sup- his nap out, in time obliged. Before the the appeals, and spoke in awe of standing plied the address of a friend where he week was out The Law decided it wasn't would pass the night and went to bed. overly fond of either before the Supreme Court bench. ("It's of Marvin's cop-outs. not somethin' you do ever' day. I don't At 6 a.m. a Midland city policeman (who District Attorney Joe Mims had a heart- personally know many lawyers who have had played no role in the investigation, to-heart talk with Marvin Clewis. Mr. ever done it. And I'm one of 'em."). He who had no warrant for Clewis and who, Mims is a Pillar of the Community and apparently, had never seen or talked with spoke of his client as "a purely innocent so may have lectured Marvin on the obli- man. Why, Marvin has no more concept him before) woke Clewis up and took him gations of a good citizen, I don't know; into custody. That was five long years ago. of what I'm here for than the man in the somehow, however, his talk inspired a moon. He knows it has somethin' to do third confession, this document incorp- with The Big Court, but he couldn't de- orating the best features of the other two. MARVIN CLEWIS is a middle- fine the issues for you if he was gonna aged Negro with a fifth-grade education. As far as D. A. Mims was concerned, the be hung." The Leggs left my apartment third time was the charm. Marvin Clewis, The writer is an Observer contributing convicted of murder and sentenced to *Legg is suspect in the eyes of many, serving editor who spent much of his early life in twenty-five years, may not have been as all these years as campaign manager for Ralph Midland, where his parents still live. Yarborough in a county where, when Demo- charmed. crats visit, children are called in from play. for their hotel directly across the street Court on the appointed day. The lawyer's must try to quote poetry to this court. If from the White House. He took a thick wife, Jean, twisted her hands while an I can't impress 'em with the bare facts, tome of Bartlett's Quotations from my Ivy League lawyer compounded the com- then I ought not to be here.' ") The East bookshelf. "Judge," he said, "lemme bor- plexities of some obscure labor law. Mrs. Texas twang stated Clewis' case without row this. I might find a little helpful poe- Legg shot frequent glances at her hus- any histrionics: that he had been arrested try in there." band, who was waiting in the wings. Her without a warrant, that he was not im- glances were nervous and proud: my wife mediately brought before a magistrate, While Legg appropriated poetry in his might look at me in similar fashion if that he was not warned that any state- hotel room, he was telephoned at my somebody nominated me for the Nobel ment he made might be used against him, home by Warren Burnett, the Odessa law- Prize in literature. I would hope so. that he was not told of his right to stand yer so successful in criminal practice I goggled the simple majesty around us: mute, that he was interrogated for long that hardened men thank God in his the shined marble, wood, and rich ma- periods without rest, food, or counsel; name each night. "Legg came to me for roon draperies; the faces of the Justices that he was subjected to physical assault, advice in seeking a writ of certiorari," themselves, known from photographs and that he was driven on a round-trip of 600 Burnett said in his bass roll, "and I told television. There was Chief Justice War- miles by officers, was forced to "re-enact" him exactly what to do. So, by God,' ren, looking human and solid and alto- the crime at its sources, was administered he did exactly the opposite. There was gether unimpeachable. Justice Black's several polygraph tests, was detained in for the thing to work — just no way head hardly showed above the grand at least three different police buildings, work. Look, unless and, of course, it did bench and you wondered if maybe behind and for days had little contact except you're a lawyer — and I have reason to that bench his feet dangled about eight with policemen. Legg noted, too, that believe that you're not — I just can't inches off the floor; he looked like an Clewis had tried to recant his confessions, adequately explain what a tremendous job old child. Flanking the chief justice on and — vainly — to have them ruled in- Legg did in getting this case to the Su- the other side, Mr. Justice Douglas was admissible as evidence of guilt. The way preme Court. He took chicken feathers ruddy and full of health, looking more Legg told it made it sound like Escobedo, and made a pluperfect batch of chicken like Spencer Tracy than Spencer Tracy Miranda and Davis rolled into one. generally salad out of it. You just don't did; while the Ivy Leaguer droned on and Questions asked by the, various Justices do the things he did unless you practice I inventoried the other famous judges, ( largely Warren, Fortas, and White) that damned ole criminal law every day Justice Douglas wrote feverishly without seemed sympathetic. Once I thought I saw from the minute your feet hit the floor. looking up. (An article on mountain Fortas and Warren exchange raised eye- My hat's off to Legg — and, of course, climbing, a letter home, notes on the brows. Some young man from the attor- my ass is red as a trey-ball because it's case at court?) ney general's office in Austin, represent- not me standing before the Supreme ing the State of Texas, seemed not overly Court." Reagan Legg didn't quote the court any poetry. ("Heck," he said later, "I copied familiar with the case. He was unable to out of that book for half the night. Then answer with distinction a couple of ques- WIFE AND I dressed in our when I got in that courtroom I thought, tions put by the court, and, before con- MY cluding, seemed on the point of ratifying limited finery and sallied to the Supreme 'Every jake-leg lawyer that comes up here numerous of Legg's contentions. THE TEXAS OBSERVER L EAVING THE massive, mar- ® Texas Observer Co., Ltd. 1967 ble Supreme Court Building we encoun- tered gusts of wind and sprinkles of rain. A Window to the South A Journal of Free Voices "The gods are angry," I said. "We've been 61st YEAR—ESTABLISHED 1906 hanging around in the company of that atheistic, Godless, communist-dominated Vol. LIX, No. 14 7e > July 21, 1967 Supreme Court. I bet somebody in Mid- Incorporating the State Observer and the None of the other people who are associated land told on us." Legg, looking back at East Texas Democrat. which in turn incor- with the enterprise shares this responsibility the building, grinned at his wife: "It looks ported the State Week and Austin Forum- with him. Writers are responsible for their own a little grander than the Midland county Advocate. work, but not for anything they have not them- courthouse, don't it?" (Legg is an "ain't," We will serve no group or party but will hew selves written, and in publishing them the edi- hard to the truth as we find it and the right tor does not necessarily imply that he agrees "cain't never," "don't it" conversationalist as we see it. We are dedicated. to the whole with them, because this is a Journal of free when relaxing with friends. He knows truth, to human values above all interests, to voices. Unsigned articles are the editor's. better: he's just uncommonly good at the rights of man as the foundation of democ- Subscription Representatives: Arlington, playing the country boy, and, besides, the racy; we will take orders from none but our George N. Green, 300 E. South College St., CR 7- own conscience, and never will we overlook or 0080; Austin, Mrs. Helen C. Spear, 2615 Pecos, President talks that way.) We mushed misrepresent the truth to serve the interests HO 5-1805; Corpus Christi, Penny Dudley, through the storm to the Congressional of the powerful or cater to the ignoble in the 1224 1/2 Second St., TU 4 - 1460; Dallas, Mrs. Cor- Hotel for wet goods, unwinding, babbling dye Hall, 5835 Ellsworth, TA 1-1205; Denton, human spirit. Fred Lusk, Box 8134 NTS, 387-3119; Ft. Worth, about the big show, and I predicted vic- Editor, Greg Olds. Dolores Jacobsen, 3025 Greene Ave., WA 4-9655; tory. "Hell," I said, "I thought they'd vote Partner, Mrs. R. D. Randolph. Houston, Mrs. Shirley Jay, 10306 Cliffwood Dr., Editor-at-large, Ronnie Dugger. PA 3-8682; Lubbock, Doris Blaisdell, 2515 24th by a show of hands a time or two. I about Business Manager, Sarah Payne. St., Midland, Eva Dennis, 4306 Douglas, OX 4- half-way expected Chief Justice Warren to Associate Manager, C. R. Olofson. 2825; Snyder, Enid Turner, 2210 30th St., HI 3- tell a bailiff, 'Go telephone that Sheriff 9497 or HI 3-6061; San Antonio, Mrs. Mae B. Staff Artist, Charles Erickson. down in Texas and tell him for God's Contributing Editors, Elroy Bode, Winston Tuggle, 531 Elmhurst, TA 6-3583; Cambridge, Bode, Bill Brammer, Sue Horn Estes, Larry Mass., Victor Emanuel, Adams House C112. sakes turn that boy a-loose'." Legg, look- Goodwyn, Harris Green, Bill Helmer, Dave Hic- The Observer is published by Texas Observer ing mighty pleased, counseled against key, Frnaklin Jones, Lyman Jones, Larry L. Co., Ltd., biweekly from Austin, Texas. En- counting our chickens before they King, Georgia Earnest Klipple, Al Melinger, tered as second-class matter April 26, 1937, at Robert L. Montgomery, Willie Morris, James the Post Office at Austin, Texas, under the Act hatched. Presley, Charles Ramsdell, Roger Shattuck, of March 3, 1879. Second class postage paid at "First thing I'm gonna do when I get Robert Sherrill, Dan Strawn, Tom Sutherland, Austin, Texas. Delivered postage prepaid $6.00 Charles Alan Wright. back to Midland," he said, "is go see a year; two years. $11.00; three years, $15.00. Marvin in the county jail and tell him all Contributing Photographer, Russell Lee. Foreign rates on request. Single copies 25c: The Observer publishes articles, essays, and prices for ten or more for students, or bulk about it." creative work of the shorter forms having to orders, on request. "Will he understand what you're tell- do in various ways with this area. The pay depends; at present it is token. Unsolicited Editorial and Business Offices: The Texas ing him?" manuscripts must be accompanied by return Observer, 504 West 24th St., Austin, Texas 78705. "I'll make him understand," he said. postage. Telephone GR 7-0746. The editor has exclusive control over the edi- Change of Address: Please give old and new I remarked that Legg wouldn't have torial policies and contents of the Observer. address and allow three weeks. made so cocky a remark a day or two before. "Well," he said, laughing, "up 'till ting better," Legg said. He suddenly got the placard owners could vote on a re- now I hadn't practiced before the Su- articulate on the law's majesty: how placement for Earl Warren, they wouldn't preme Court. Nov I've got a whole lot much it meant, to stand before the na- put anyone in his chair whose heart bled higher appreciation of myself." tion's highest tribunal, knowing that the a whole lot for the world's Marvin rights of a faceless man, asleep in a dis- Clewises. tant jail, might occupy that evening the H I SKE Y AND roses awaited last w a k i n g thoughts of the Supreme VV NI R. JUSTICE FORTAS wrote the Leggs at their hotel, courtesy of War- Court — and that he, a country lawyer, the court's opinion. In dry, understated ren Burnett. Legg chose the bottle. "You had played a part in it! Later, after I'd made a speech against police brutality, I legal language, and citing the appropriate enjoy your roses, now," he said to his precedents, the Supreme Court agreed wife. We drank a toast to Texas, one to tried to rhapsodize on how wonderfully with everything Legg had contended ( save Burnett, one to Legg, one to the Supreme American it was that a Texas liberal would for finding no evidence that Peti- Court, one to Marvin Clewis, and at one come from Goldwater country as the tioner had been physically assaulted) and point I had a real good one ready to Allan A.C.L.U. agent for a friendless Negro man, reversed the conviction. Marvin Clewis, Shivers but then I forgot the words. Dur- but Legg cut me off. "It don't have nothin' recently released from jail, is now eligible ing a lull Legg said, "King, can you to do with being liberal," he said, back- imagine sliding on his English again. "It has to for a new trial. Without new confessions, how it'd feel to lay around some he isn't likely to be convicted again. One ole jail for three or four years wondering do with law." doubts, somehow, that he will rush to what was happening to you?" No, I said, Well, perhaps it does. I cannot forget, sign them even for a bottle of milk and a I doubted if any of us could imagine its however, that Reagan Legg comes from little bed rest. I would further doubt whole terror. I then remarked that only Midland, and that you can hardly drive whether he's in the market for a Support a few years ago Marvin Clewis—penniless, around the city without finding Impeach Your Local Police bumper sticker. Or an black, convicted of murder—would have Earl Warren placards sprouting from the Impeach Earl Warren placard, for that been routinely banished to Huntsville to well-manicured lawns in certain high-in- matter. He's five lost years and one good do his twenty-five years. "Things are get- come precincts. I have the notion that if lawyer smarter now. ❑ Little People's Day Rio Grande City and Edinburg themselves. Williams also found it un- house were unable to understand the New Jersey Senator Harrison Williams, usual that the crowds stayed on through- hearings, in English. But when they were Jr., had just concluded the first of two out the hearings. Typically, he said, the told, through an interpreter, that they days' hearings in Texas of his migratory number of spectators dwindles during could hear a translation outside, no one labor subcommittee. As he left the Rio the morning and, after the noon recess, moved. Even if they couldn't understand Grande City courthouse a Mexican-Amer- falls off sharply. But not at Rio Grande the language, they understood the nature ican, about 50 years old, walked up to City. The results of this interaction*, rap- of what was going on, and none of them him and said, "Thank you, Senator, for port, between the Senators, men of power, wanted to miss being a part of a memor- 'Little People's Day'." Later that evening and the Valley's people, of virtually no able day. Williams was walking towards the Ring- power has already begun to have far- Fred Blackwell, the subcommittee's gold Hotel, where the Texas Rangers reaching consequences, as will be dis- have been bivouacked these last several cussed later on . counsel for all of its eight years, and a close friend of Senator Williams, also weeks, on his way to see if he could locate At Rio Grande City the crowd over- Ranger Capt. A. Y. Allee, whose name marvelled at the crowds. At Rio Grande flowed onto the front yard of the court- City that morning there were some 125 had been mentioned often during the house, where a loudspeaker broadcast, in persons standing around on the front day. Another Mexican-American man came Spanish, a running account of the pro- up to thank Williams for his, and his com- cedings. Many of those inside the court- July 21, 1967 3 mittee's presence, saying, "I want to shake the hand of someone big. I'm only a little nothing; you're a big somebody." These and other human encounters, be- tween Williams and his fellow Senators on the one hand and the "little people" of Starr County and the lower Rio Grande Valley on the other, made the two days of hearings mote than simply a legisla- tive event. They were at times moving personal experiences for the men from Washington, as Williams indicated after- wards to the Observer. The Senators came to realize that they were being looked to for help in a desperate situation. Rein- forcing this impression was the mute but eloquent appeal represented by the over- flow crowds of obviously impoverished people at both Rio Grande City and Edin- burg. "If the hearings had been attended only by union leaders, clergymen, consum- er groups, and the like—well, we could have understood that," Williams said. But, Photo by George W. Gardner he went on, most of the spectators were RESPONSE — A Senator makes a point, besting a growers' representative, and simply people in need, representing only the spectators at the Rio Grande City courthouse express their glee. lawn; another 200 were jammed into the Casita Farms to see what their sentiment gressional career of Senator Williams. He courtroom, where the hearing was con- is about a union. told the Observer that he first became ducted, many of them standing along the Unofficially, the hearings gave many interested in the problem while doing walls and in the doorway. Whole families, of the people of Starr County, and of research through a private grant with a including babies in their mothers' arms, much of the Valley, a big lift—to realize, professor of economics at the University sat patiently in the uncomfortable, de- and see, the interest in their plight on of North Carolina. Williams notes that caying courtroom, under whirring over- the part of important national leaders. although New Jersey is an industrial state head fans. Periodically officials would Of course, the presence of Massachusetts it has many farms, particularly in its move part of the crowd out, to make room Senator Edward Kennedy was a particu- southern region, and many migrant work- for others who had been waiting several lar psychological boost. The younger ers are emplciyed there. hours outside. By 4 p.m., as the heat of Kennedy's colleagues here, Sens. Wil- Williams, 47, is a former steelworker the day was at its peak, near 100 degrees, liams, Ralph Yarborough, and Arizona who earned a law degree and then entered there were 50 or 75 persons standing on Republican Paul Fannin, seemed to be politics. He was first elected to Congress the 1tri near the loudspeaker. "And lis- accustomed to the adulation their junior in 1953. His experience in the House of tening," Blackwell said, with emphasis. partner commands and accept that status Representatives lead him to believe that "I've never seen anything like it," Sen- with good grace. the migrant farm workers are being over- ator Williams, who has conducted such Williams believes the Texas hearings looked, their problems considered only hearings in ten states, including Delano, will contribute to what he calls a "real in fragments by this or that Congression- Calif., told the Observer. "The message concern for getting this legislation al committee. On winning election to the is so clear that change is taking place in passed" which he says is developing in Senate in 1958 he successfully sought Starr County. . . . The seeds were already Congress. "Some influential members of the formation of a subcommittee on mi- there before this subcommittee arrived." the Senate are getting behind this bill," gratory labor, under the labor and, public he said, citing in particular the two Ken- welfare committee. He has served as its Williams said the impact of this elo- only chairman. quently-expressed human yearning for a nedys and Yarborough. "When he gets on a subject, he's a bulldog," Williams said The subcommittee has had a hand in better life was felt deeply by the Senators enacting a number of bills—to improve and will, he believes, mean an added boost of Yarborough, adding that the Texas Senator's commitment to the bill was the housing, education, and health care for his bill that was the main official rea- of migrant workers; to do away with the son for the hearings. The measure would deepened considerably by the two days here. Yarborough was particularly im- bracero program, under which workers put farm workers under the coverage of were imported, usually from Mexico, to the National Labor Relations Act. Wil- pressed by the big crowds, as well as the fact that this is the first time as many as work at wages lower than American work- liams and other Senators contend that the ers would accept; to require the registra- 32-year-old NLRA should be extended to four Senators have come to Texas for such a hearing. Williams predicts that tion of farm labor contractors; to extend provide democratic machinery for de- the minimum wage to workers on larger termining whether farm workers want the bill will pass the Senate this year. Its fate in the House is less certain, though farms; to require that children under 16 to organize themselves into a union. Wil- not , be employed in hazardous jobs; to liams believes that such a step would be if it doesn't make it this year the 90th Congress still has 1968. establish several programs for migrants a boon for farmers as well as farm work- under the War on Poverty, in education, ers, in that it would obviate the chaos day-care, sanitation, and self-help housing. and ill will such as that which now festers Williams has sought for several years to in Starr County: just hold an election THE GROWING national atten- tion to the problem of the migratory farm place farm workers under the coverage among the workers at, for instance, La of the National Labor Relations Act, but worker has coincided with, and is in 4 The Texas Observer considerable part traceable to the Con- not until this year has the bill had special attention, he says.

THE HEARINGS' impact, and the attitude of the Senators from Wash- ington, seemed to shock profoundly the growers and their representatives and Starr county officials who, perhaps, are not used to politicians uttering heresies. For example, not ten minutes after the first witness had begun testifying, Sena- tor Williams said, "I thought it was writ- ten deep into the law . .. that picketing is a right of free speech in this country." He was responding to the news that, the day before, a judge had issued an injunc- tion against picketing at La Casita. At another point, when another witness was explaining Texas' mass picket law, which bans pickets from being nearer than 50 feet to each other, Williams opened a dictionary to the word "mass," read the definition, then inquired how people 50 feet apart could be said to be massed together.

G ENERALLY OR expressly in favor of the bill were witnesses Gilbert Padilla, Baldemar Diaz, Benito Rodriguez, Photo by George W. Gardner Domingo Arredondo, all of the Rio. Grande THE GROWERS' SIDE — Testifying at Rio Grande City are, from left, Marvin City U.F.W.O.C.; Roma attorney Arnulfo Schwarz and Mike Frost, of the Texas Citrus and Vegetable Growers and Ship- Guerra; attorney Jim McKeithan, Mission; pers, and Mrs. Marjorie Stites, the wife of an Edcouch grower. F. F. ( Pancho) Medrano, international rep- Photo by George W. Gardner STARR COUNTY ATTORNEY RANDALL NYE, FOREGROUND, TESTIFIES ABOUT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT resentative, United Auto Workers; the threatened by a Ranger not to take pic- Texas has not passed a minimum wage Rev. and Mrs. Edgar A. Krueger, Pharr, tures at a time when he was working for law." Texas Council of Churches migrant min- the Associated Press; Dr. Ramiro Casso, McAllen, and Dr. Mario Ramirez, Roma, At this point, Mrs. Stites said: "What's istry; State Sen. Joe Bernal, San Antonio; we're talking about is survival." "Yes," Alejandro Moreno, University of Texas who told of treating Magdaleno Dimas after Dimas had been arrested by Rangers. Kennedy replied, "of people." "People on economics student who is in Starr county' both sides," Schwarz said. "You're legis- this summer studying conditions there; Most of the morning and early part of lating workers out Of existence," he add- the Rev. William Killian, representing the afternoon at Rio Grande City, the fiist ed. Catholic Archbishop Robert E. Lucey, San Antonio; Bob Sanchez; McAllen attorney; day of the hearings, was given over to the After some more discussion, Kennedy Herb Warner, Houston oilman, represent- farm workers, who told the Senators of said "We're trying to give farm workers ing the Texas Catholic Conference; Henry their year-long struggle with La Casita, the right to organize, if they want to." Munoz, Austin, Texas AFL-CIO; the Rev. their lives in Starr county, the role of "They have that right now," Schwarz Antonio Gonzales and the Rev. James No- the Rangers, their difficulties under Texas said." "And you r e s p e c t that right?" varro, co-leaders of La Marcha last sum- labor laws, and other matters that are by Kennedy asked. Schwarz said, "The work- mer; Henry Villarreal, Lower Rio Grande now familiar to Observer readers, and are ers in this area are not the ones who are Valley Central Labor Council; Franklin becoming more widely known nationally. doing this harassment; it's outsiders." Garcia, international organizer for the By the time the growers' representatives "We've heard that the harassment has Meatcutters union; Nehemias Garcia, Har- got to testify the Senators had made it been on the other side," said Kennedy. lingen, Texas Council of Churches; Starr clear that they were in sympathy with "You haven't heard our side yet," Mrs. county attorney Randall Nye; and Beverly the workers. Schwarz, was the first Stites said. "That's why we're here," Ken- Lloyd, Alice district attorney. of the agricultural leaders to testify. He nedy answered. Expressly opposed to the bill were wit- began reading a statement detailing the "I was practically raised by a Latin nesses Marvin Schwarz, president, Texas woes of Texas farmers—rising production lady," Schwarz said. "My heart is with Citrus and Vegetable Growers and Ship- costs, increasing competition from for- these Latin people here," he went on, in- pers; Mrs. Marjorie Stites, Edcouch, the eign nations such as Mexico, and so on. dicating the spectators crowded in behind wife of a Valley grower; Mike Frost, chair- Senator Kennedy interrupted Schwarz to him. Kennedy persisted in saying that man, legislative committee, Texas Citrus ask, "So because of these disadvantages the workers on farms should have elec- and Vegetable Growers and Shippers; of Texas agriculture, this state takes it tions to determine, in the traditional Dwayne Bair, president of the Hidalgo out on its workers?" "No, we pay the fed- American democratic manner, whether County Farm Bureau; Roland J. O'Con, eral minimum wage," Schwarz answered. they want to organize a union or not. "We Harlingen, executive vice-president of the "But if you pay what they pay in Cali- talk about free and open elections in Valley Industrial Council, Inc., and Morris fornia it would be more difficult for grow- South Vietnam," Kennedy said, "and if Atlas, McAllen attorney, representing La ers in Texas?" Kennedy asked. "Califor- we can't have the same thing in South Casita Farms. nia produces more," Schwarz pointed out. Texas, I wonder where we are?" This "Yes, but I think we're talking about bare elicited long, enthusiastic applause from Generally neutral as to the bill were minimums—sanitary conditions, wages, the spectators. "But we can't afford to witnesses Felix Ramirez, Mission, a pho- education, and such. . . . It's not a ques- tographer who testified that he had been tion of what they pay in California. . . . July 21, 1967 a have organized labor down here," Schwai-z KRIO at McAllen, reported that Schwarz, za, McAllen, didn't attend, as the Senators said. "That's your judgment," said Ken- Mrs. Stites, and the other farm leaders had decided not to allow House members nedy. "It's the growers' judgment," were being asked "sided questions by the to question witnesses or testify. De La Schwarz corrected. "That's the growers' Senators, who obviously favor unions." Garza said he had no complaint about not judgment, but maybe the workers have The next morning's edition of the Valley being permitted to participate. ' another judgment," Kennedy said, to more Morning Star, part of a chain of con- Williams, Yarborough, and. Kennedy applause. servative papers that dominates the area's were here both days of the hearings, "The quickest way to demonstrate that journalism, published a two-column front joined by the Republican, Paul Fannin of there is no need for federal legislation is page story that illustrated the three Arizonia at Edinburg. Kennedy, who ar- for you gentlemen to demonstrate the Democrats' liberal proclivities, as re- rived an hour late the first day and left leadership which makes federal legisla- flected in ratings of their voting rec- at noon on the second, dominated the tion unnecessary," Kennedy told Schwarz, ords as compiled by the Americans questioning while he was here. At other and then flashed the Kennedy smile as for Democratic Action, the AFL-CIO's times Williams carried the burden. Yar- more applause greeted the conclusion of Committee on Political Education, the borough's role was generally limited to his questioning along this line. National Associated Businessmen and listening and, at times, asking detailed To the assertion of Schwarz and the the Americans for Constitutional Action. questions whose answers reiterated points other area farm leaders that the proposed An editorial in the same paper that already made which he considered worth legislation would amount to compulsory morning was headed "Farmers Playing emphasizing. Fannin asked few questions; unionism, Senator Yarborough took out Against Odds at Labor Hearing," and re- those he did ask generally were in re- his billfold, removed his Texas Bar Assn. ferred to a "stacked deck" in that the sub- buttal to points elicited of witnesses by membership card and, holding the card committee is made up of Senators of the other Senators. Fannin interrupted aloft, said this was his "union card," a "pro-labor political complexion." "Sen. a couple of times to defend the point a requirement for him to practice law in Ted ( Pretty Boy) Kennedy, D-Mass., grower or agricultural leader might be the state. He said he believes that work- showed up late for the opening session making; once or twice he questioned the ers have the right to organize and belong of the hearing," the Star editorial said, fairness of a question asked by a col- to a union. Mrs. Stites took particular "and was cheered loudly by the spectators. league. exception to Yarborough's remarks and Maybe he planned it that way to get maxi- Kennedy seemed intent on learning asked him "Do you represent all of mum exposure." The editorial went on to what the various levels of leadership in Texas?" "Yes, and you, too," Yarborough wonder why Sen. John Tower, Texas Re- Texas—the governor, county officials, answered. "Well, you just wait until you publican, hadn't been invited to sit in on farm leaders—were doing to meet the hear both sides," she snapped. the hearings. Senator Yarborough had an- challenge posed by the evident and grow- And so it went. nounced, as the hearings opened, that ing dissatisfaction of the workers. The Tower had been invited, but had to de- answers he got, from the leaders who tes- LATE THAT afternoon, while cline because of other engagements. Tower tified, invariably were that outside agita- the hearings were in their final hour the had aides attending both days. The local tors were stirring things up, that the local Valley's most prominent radio station, Congressman, Eligio ("Kika") De La Gar- workers are content otherwise, that area agriculture couldn't stand the higher costs that unionization would mean, and that it was, really, nobody's business but the Housewives for Huelga growers' and the workers'. Austin Starr County, wrote to the "friends" on GFILBERT PADILLA, the direc- tor of the Texas United Farm Workers Or- With . contributions of $2,350 already June 14': "You do not know how desper- ately we need money now. So much of ganizing Committee, AFL-CIO, told the at work in the Rio Grande Valley, the Senators of a meeting he had last month Friends if the Valley Farm Workers feel our budget has been spent on bail bonds, which has been one method of trying to with Texas Gov. John Connally. "I sug- they are well on their way to achieving gested to Governor Connally that he their goal of $3,000 by August 1. The break the strike used by the establish- ment. Our, people have been through so should encourage a democratic election fund-raising efforts of this informal group to see if the farm workers want the priv- of 25 Austin women grew out of the spur- much this last melon season, and to have the donations slipping off so drastically ilege to organize." "It's more than a of-the-moment organization of a benefit privilege," Williams put in, "it's a law." patio party in _April which honored El doesn't help much . . . you can see how Kennedy, who had stayed over in Hous- Teatro Campesino, traveling folk drama- welcome your efforts are . . . " ton the night before, Yarborough and Wil- tists from Delano, Calif. Held at the west Two members of the "Friends," Mrs. liams coming on down to the Valley then, Austin home of Mrs. Sue Randall, one Randall and Mrs. Ann Grubbs, traveled entered at, this point, his arrival indi- of the founders of the "Friends," that to Rio Grande City on June 29, hoping to cated by cheers from those standing in party was attended by more than 100 attend the Senate subcommittee hearings front of the courthouse. He came inside people and netted about $700 for la huel- on migratory labor. Although unable to to the cheers of "Viva Kennedy" and "Viva ga. get into the hearings, they talked with La Justicia," despite an earlier warning Encouraged by this response, Mrs. Ran- Padilla. "He was tremendously pleased from Williams about demonstrations at dall and other party hostesses gathered with the help from Austin and the Friends Senate proceedings. When things settled more women together early in June and of the Valley Farm Workers," Mrs. Grubbs reported. down, Kennedy asked Padilla, "What you undertook a citywide telephone and mail were interested in in your conversation appeal. KTBC-TV newsmen picked up the The Friends of the Valley Farm Work- ers are planning an August garage sale, with Governor Connally was for him to story and interviewed and filmed the bring the prestige of his office . . . to group, televising their mailing party on an autumn benefit dance, and a pledge campaign to be launched in early Sep- bear on this problem?" Padilla said that June 8. Contributions are still coming in was right. "What was his response?" Ken- from as far away as Canada in response tember. "If all sympathetic Texans would pledge and faithfully pay $2 or $5 a month, nedy asked. "He said he was not going to that mailing and a follow-up one — the to ask the growers to let the workers largest check for $100, the smallest for the people in the Valley could rely on a definite sum of money coming in regu- organize," Padilla answered. "You're will- $2, totalling $1,650.00 as of this writing. ing to abide by the outcome of any vote?" Gilbert Padilla, national vice-president larly," Mrs. Randall explains. "In Padilla's words, we would then be 'hastening the Kennedy asked. "That's right," Padilla of the United Farm Workers Organizing said. This last point, Kennedy later said, Committee and strike administrator in time when the farm worker will be able to eat three nourishing meals a day'." was of particular importance to him. 6 The Texas Observer TONI PALTER Another point of especial interest to the Senators was the quality of local law enforcement and the role of the Rangers in Starr county. Kennedy asked Padilla if he had talked to the governor, during their conversation, about the conduct of the Rangers here. "Yes," Padilla answered. "I told him I have personally observed the Rangers escorting strikebreakers to the field" and knew first hand some of the events attendant to the "Dimas incident" (Obs., June 9-23). "What did the governor say of all this?" Kennedy asked. "He said he would talk with [Dept. of Public Safety director Homer] Garrison," Padilla said. "And that he would report back back to you?" Kennedy inquired. '`No," Padilla said. "Have you heard from him?" Ken- nedy asked. "No," Padilla said. "Well, he's going to hear from you," Williams cut in, "there are newspapermen here." State Sen. Joe Bernal, San Antonio, who has become the leading statehouse critic of the Rangers' role in Starr county, told the subcommittee, "I have but one regret, that this [hearing] is not being conducted by the Texas Senate General Investigating Committee." Bernal, on the last day of the legislature, in May, had sought passage of a resolution by the Texas Senate pro- viding that the committee look into the Starr county situation. Bernal, who rode a bus from San An- tonio to appear before the subcommittee, Photo by George W. Gardner SEN. KENNEDY ARRIVES — An hour after the hearings had begun Sen. Ed- said he, like Padilla, had unsuccessfully ward Kennedy came in. He was introduced to Gilbert Padilla, left, the leader of sought the governor's help in the Starr the Starr County strikers. The other Senators are Harrison Williams, 1Jr., second county situation. Bernal said he wanted from right, and Ralph Yarborough, right. Connally to call the Rangers out of the county. "The Rangers are not here be- cause there was violence," Bernal said, to bring the cases to court in the last half "but because they expected violence." He M ISSION ATTORNEY Mc- of July. Dist. Attorney Beverly Lloyd, said he had written Connally on June 3, re- Keithan testified that 122 charges had Alice, whose duties include prosecution questing that the governor pull the Rang- been filed against the farm workers and of Starr county cases, backed up Nye's ers out, but had received no reply. Bernal their sympathizers since June 1, 1966; 90 contention that a tense atmosphere ex- said he understands that it is the govern- of the' cases, McKeithan said, have not isted in the county. Why is that so, Ken- or's position that he is not responsible for yet been taken to court. "We contend that nedy asked, isn't it because law enforce- the Rangers' presence here, since local of- arrests follow a success of the union," he ment officials seem to be on -one side of ficials had requested Ranger help from asserted. "Why is it necessary for the the dispute? "I believe the people here the Dept. of Public Safety, of which the Rangers to be present in the county?" are satisfied with the quality of justice Rangers are a component. Bernal's letter Kennedy asked. "We do not know," Mc- here," Lloyd said. "Then why are the to COnnally begins, however, by citing a Keithan, answered, causing applause Rangers here?" asked Kennedy, drawing 1940 opinion of the state attorney general among those listening outside on the applause of most of the spectators. yoyd that the governor does command the lawn. McKeithan, in answer to a Yar- pointed out that a petition supporting the Rangers. borough question, told of the instance, Rangers' presence had been signed by last May, of a supporter of la huelga some 1,500 county residents. This set off Bernal has studied the Rangers' history, arriving late at a scheduled demonstra- a burst of counter-applause on the part some of which he related to the Senators. tion, after it was all over, and being ar- of about a fifth of the crowd, many of The Rangers were almost done away with rested for unlawful assembly by two them courthouse employees—including in the early part of this century, but were Rangers although he was the only person Chief Deputy Sheriff Raul Pena, as Ken- revived when, after. the Mexican Revolu- present, other than the lawmen. nedy pointed out, to Pena's great embar- tion, interest stirred in Mexico in reclaim- rassment. ing Texas from the United States. The As the afternoon in Rio Grande City Rangers are effective in their work, Bernal wore on, and the complaints about the "I'm convinced that if the Rangers had indicated, noting wryly that against the Rangers became more numerous, Senator not been here there would have been Indians they did "so good a job we have Williams repeatedly called for any Rang- more than one killing," Lloyd said. Yar- almost no Indian reservations in Texas." ers, Capt. Allee in particular, to come for- borough joined the colloquy at this point. "Is it your understanding that local ward, to answer the accusations. Rangers "Mr. Lloyd, do you think the Rangers are law enforcement is adequate here?" Sen- had been seen in town that day, but not fair and impartial as between the parties ator Kennedy asked. "Yes," Bernal an- at the courthouse. "Well," Senator Wil- [of the labor dispute] ?" the Senator swered, "especially with so many depu- liams said finally, "one thing I think we asked. Lloyd said he did, and that "sub- ties," referring to the more than 40 depu- can all feel secure about, we are not go- stantial justice" is being done in, the coun- ties on call in Starr county, which has ing to be arrested by any Rangers today." ty." Yarborough then began recounting less than 20,000 population. Most of the several allegations made against the Rang- deputies have been taken on since last Starr county attorney Randall Nye was ers, askirig, as he named each instance, if summer, when the labor dispute began. grilled about the quality of local law en- Lloyd thought that was "substantial jus- Three of them, it was developed in testi- forcement. Why haven't the cases all been tice." The witnesses who testified to these mony, are bosses at La Casita, the object tried? Because the trials might increase of the workers' movement. tension, Nye answered. He said he hoped July 21, 1967 matters were not under oath, Lloyd said, averaged hiring 66 such workers in each Grande City that I talked to, seems they adding that the subcommittee would be of the last three years; the total work all admire Captain Allee and were glad interested in the record of the trial earlier force at the farm usually is around 300 he was there. that week at which the injunction banning for a year, he added. Atlas then went on "As far as Captain Allee not testifying picketing at La Casita had been issued. to discuss the problems of rising costs— before THAT commitee, I don't blame Williams asked that the trial record be of fertilizer and labor. "If I were a worker him. No one was sworn, every witness was forwarded to the subcommittee. Yar- at your farm and had just heard your loose and could say anything he wished borough said the subcommittee does not categorical statement," Williams said, "I to and did not have to tell of his bad make a practice of swearing in witnesses know what I'd do—I'd organize a union deeds." or issuing subpoenas since the hearings even before the passage of S.8 [the bill Berry's remark about a "three-ring cir- are not limited to determining the truth under consideration]." Atlas retorted, cus" was similar to an outburst loosed by of single instances, but to determine broad "Well, I didn't come here to have you Ray Rochester, the general manager at legislative needs. He continued by saying make speeches, but I can't stop you." He La Casita. Rochester had been scheduled there is a distinction between legislative then went on to discount the "terrible to testify the first day, but asked to be and judicial hearings. Both Lloyd and Nye publicity" about La Casita in recent heard the next day, instead. But, in Edin- agreed with Williams that some sort of weeks, particularly citing reports by the burg, Rochester left for Houston after legislation is needed to help with the Starr Associated Press and Newsweek. He also sitting in on some of the proceedings. He county dispute. defended the administration of the law told reporters as he left that the hearing Some of the subcommittee staff mem- in Starr county. was "a three-ring circus," and that "There bers were heard remarking in uncompli- Probably the most intriguing witness are some cheap politicians in there. They mentary terms afterwards about a region of the day was a Houston lawyer, Herb should be selling peanuts." or state where law officials speak of "sub- Warner, who is an executive of an oil Williams concluded the hearing by is- stantial justice" instead of justice. company. He testified for the Texas Cath- suing a statement, saying, "It is not the olic Conference, a lay organization. "It practice of this subcommittee to issue sub- seems weird, but we're talking about the poenas. If it were, I would seriously con- THE NEXT DAY in Edinburg majority of the people in this area—and sider issuing one for the appearance of another capacity crowd was on hand, as they are not free." Warner continued in Capt..A. Y. Allee of the Texas Rangers. were live cameras of the two Valley tele- this vein for some time, expressing at "There has been a great deal of testi- vision stations. The growers put in their every turn sympathy for the impoverished mony that Captain Allee and the Rangers strongest defense that morning when of the Valley. "I take it that you believe under his direction have trespassed upon Morris Atlas, a McAllen attorney, who is in the free enterprise system?" Yar- private property, made numerous arrests retained by La Casita, testified. Atlas pro- borough asked. "You bet I do," Warner without legal cause, used physical force tested the representations by previous wit- said, "and, by the way, I'm a Republican far beyond that required to take a sub- nesses that La Casita is "the 'General Mo- and have never voted for a Democrat, but ject into custody, participated in acts of tors' of the growing industry," as he put it. this goes beyond party lines." Williams strikebreaking and committed other in- He said the hearing was being conducted said, grinning, "Well, Mr. Warner, your fringements of personal and property in an unfair manner and the three Demo- testimony is so persuasive that [your be- rights: cratic Senators were showing bias. Wil- ing a Republican] doesn't erode your "That testimony stands uncontradicted liams said that Captain Allee and the La credibility with this subcommittee." by Captain Allee. Casita manager, Ray Rochester, had both As the second day's hearing opened, "The testimony of Chief Deputy Raul been urged to testify, but had declined. Pena yesterday that approximately 40 Atlas said the owner of La Casita, a Cali- Williams had released the text of a tele- gram he had sent to Captain Allee at the special deputies have been deputized since fornia man, has "not taken one nickel out the strike began, plus the pattern of ar- of this farm," despite the fact that the Ringgold Hotel, advising him that the Rangers had been criticized by several rests, high bail and the failure to dispose owner has invested about a million dol- of these cases, some of them a year old, lars. witnesses. "This subcommittee requests and strongly urges you to appear before it together with the testimony against Cap- "You are suggesting something com- today . . . to present your response to tain Allee amount to powerfully persua- pletely alien to the operation of a busi- and views on this evidence." In the early sive evidence of a pattern of official be- ness," Atlas said to the Senators, " . . . you afternoon Williams received a telegram havior which is contrary to the public are saying, in effect, 'call up your workers from J. H. Preiss, evidently of the Rang- policy of the United States. and see if they want me to represent ers or of the D.P.S., saying, "Capt. Allee "The transcript of this hearing will be them.' . . . It's not your affair." is with a Texas Ranger under his com- turned over to the Justice Dept. for study, Kennedy told Atlas, "What you've left mand whose wife passed away yesterday. and I will request a meeting with the At- us with, and it's the most important part It will be greatly appreciated if you and torney General of the United States to of your testimony to me, is the attitude your committee would understand this discuss his findings and determine a you've expressed. . . . So if we can't resolve fact." course of action. these matters locally or in the state, then "In addition, the subcommittee will federal law is necessary." study the transcript with a view toward Atlas questioned that a labor dispute STATE SEN. V. E. "Red" Berry, determining whether the record shows exists in Starr county. Senator Fannin San Antonio, who has been mentioned as the need for additional legislative safe- agreed with this and pointed out that if a possible candidate for lieutenant gov- guards to protect legitimate, lawful union the NLRA were extended to farm workers, ernor next year, added a log or two to that organizing afforts. 30% of La Casita's employees would have speculative fire by attending the hearings "There also is a strong evidence that to petition for an organizing election, as both days and issuing a statement to the green card holders are being used, or al- is provided for industrial workers under press: "First of all, I am on no one's side lowing themselves to be used, systematic- the act now. "We have no evidence so far in this squabble, but I am glad I came ally and in great numbers, to break this as I know that show a labor problem or down. From what I have observed, it looks strike. that one employee of La Casita has asked like a three-ring circus, just another of "I am going to request the Dept. of for an election," Fannin said. Kennedy Senator Yarborough's political gimmicks Labor, the U.S. Immigration Service, and said he couldn't agree that no labor prob- against Governor Connally. the State Dept. to devise administrative lem existed. "And I am predicting that good Ranger procedures to end these pernicious prac- Atlas then was questioned about the Captain Allee will catch some hell. Here is tices or to advise us what legislative steps employment of green carders, alien work- a man that has for many years been at are required to achieve this goal. ers from Mexico. He said La Casita had the service of the people and no doubt "Finally—and most important of all— let me say this: the atmosphere and the many times his life has been on the line. 8 The Texas Observer Of all the businessmen and people in Rio events of recent months in the Rio Grande Valley, and more particularly in Starr workers was the Rev. John McCarthy of U.S. Supreme Court for conduct of peace county comprise the most powerful tes- the San Antonio Catholic archdiocese. officers for an officer to make public timony this subcommittee ever received as Opposing the bill in Washington were statements that would be pertinent to to the need to extend the established rules Charles M. Creuziger, president of the such cases before the defendants have had and procedures of the collective bargain- Vegetable Growers Assn. of America; their day in court." ing provisions of the National Labor Re- Richard T. O'Connell, secretary of the Na- Williams retorted that Allee "did volun- lations Act to the farm industry." tional Council of Farm Cooperatives; and tarily appear in a civil suit [earlier in the Matt Triggs, the assistant legislative direc- week of the subcommittee's Texas hear- tor of the American Farm Bureau Fed- MOST immediate effect of ings] brought by the growers against the THE eration. strikers as a grower witness and relate, as the Texas hearings was an announcement Williams, saying he had tried twice by part of his testimony, the events we ex- last week by the Labor Dept. that farm telephone and three times by letter to get pected him to testify to. In view of this, it workers' strikes were being certified to Ranger Captain Allee to answer the would appear that, in Ranger interpreta- exist at six Starr county farms and, there- charges made against Allee, invited the tion, the prohibition against officers in fore, those farms can not use green card- Ranger to testify in Washington, his making public comment on pending cases ers from Mexico, other than such workers expenses to be paid by the subcommit- only runs to Senate subcommittees and as had been employed before July 10. Ray tee. Alice said he would go if his superiors has no applicability to local civil cases Rochester, general manager of La Casita ordered him to. D.P.S. director Homer brought by growers." Allee, Williams said, Farm, one of the six farms cited, said he Garrison told the Senators that it would "leaves the record uncontroverted" re- doubted the Labor Dept. move would af- be improper for Allee to testify, since garding the allegations of brutality. How- fect his operations much since "Generally, some of the persons who had charged the we use more citizen U.S. help than most ever if District Attorney Lloyd does sub- Rangers with brutality in Starr county mit a transcript of the civil suit that evi- other growers." Gilbert Padilla, the U.F.- have legal actions pending against them W.O.C.'s leader was elated by the Labor and, thus, "it wuold be improper and in dently would enter the Rangers' denials Dept's announcement, however. "We are violation of guidelines set forth by the into the subcommittee's record. here to stay," he said. The other five desig- nated Starr county farms are Sun-Tex Farms, Griffin and Brand (Trophy Farms ), A. B. Margo Farms, Starr Farms Co. (Los Puertos Plantation), and Elmore Allee and Garrison and Stahl (Rancho Grande and Ringgold Farms). The Texas Employment Cmsn. has lately made it known that it certified the six farms last year as struck and has Deny the Allegations referred no 'Workers there in the last 13 months, since La Huelga was begun. walk off their jobs," Alice responded: "We Back in Washington Senator Williams I N OTHER Washington de- haven't pitshed any workers back in the said the Valley hearings had been "inspir- velopments U.S. Sen. John Tower is push- fields.- . . . Those things just haven't hap- ing" and have provided "the impetus we ing for reopening the subcommittee hear- pened. The accusations are absolutely need to pass" his bill to bring farm work- ings later this month. The hearings had false." ers under the NLRA. Subcommittee been scheduled to conclude on July 13. Three of the Rangers made similar sources told. the New York Times that Tower says there are other witnesses who denials in an interview with the Hous- they believe the treatment of farm work- want to be heard. It was not known ton Post. As to the arrest of Magdaleno ers by Texas officials will encourage whether Williams will accede to Tower's Dimas, a union supporter who required Congress to act more swiftly on the legis- request. medical care after being taken into cus- lation Williams proposes. Meanwhile, in Texas, four Rangers in- tody by Rangers, Dimas was armed with a The subcommittee held more hearings cluding Captain Allee have been named as rifle when he was arrested, according to on the bill last week in Washington, hear- defendants in a suit filed by the Texas Ranger Tol Dawson. Did the Rangers treat ing testimony from two of the nation's Council of Churches alleging that the of- Dimas more roughly than was necessary? most important labor leaders, George ficers infringed the right of the Rev. and Not at all, said Dawson and fellow Ranger Meany and Walter Reuther, in support Mrs. Ed Krueger and two .other persons Jack Van Cleve. "We heard he was in a of the farm workers and in favor of Wil- who have sought to observe the labor sit- car wreck," Dawson said of Dimas' in- liams' bill. Williams cites their testifying uation in the Valley (Obs., June 9-23). juries. as "one more evidence that this . . . is an D.P.S. director Garrison and Captain idea whose time has come." Meany, presi- Allee have issued denials of the various GOV. CONNALLY has main- dent of the American Federation of Labor charges of misconduct made against the tained throughout the 13 months of the and the Congress of Industrial Organiza- Rangers. Garrison says "for as long as labor dispute a public stance of neutrality, tions, said that farm workers, because there is a state of Texas, there will be and particularly so in recent weeks. Last they are not covered by the NLRA, "must Texas Rangers." Allee has called the month, in two separate meetings, Con- do what other workers had to do in the charges "false and libelous." He has called nally was urged by labor leaders at closed dark ages of labor history—scratch and the allegations of Ranger brutality and meetings to take a role in resolving the claw and dig out their own little clearing misconduct that were made at the sub- crisis in the Valley and to pull the Rang- . in a hostile jungle." He said that the Texas committee hearing here "just a bunch of ers out of Starr county. The governor has farm workers, in the last year, have not perjuries. This is stuff concocted by the declined to intervene on either count. Kir- been striking-about wages or working con- union. They are just making this stuff up. cher and Roy Evans, the secretary-treas- ditions, "but for the fundamental right Nobody has abused anyone. Everybody urer of the Texas AFL-CIO, suggested that to bargain collectively. No worker in inter- has their day and I'm going to have mine," Connally consider requesting the National state commerce has had to strike fpr that Allee said. "They're going to have to prove Arbitration Assn. to investigate the situa- right since 1935. . .. Simple justice, we those accusations to me and the general tion and establish procedures for a union contend would extend that right to farm public. I intend to follow this thing representation elections. This is a step workers as well," said Meany. The state- through." that was taken last year in California by ment of Walter Reuther, United Auto As to a statement made in a Washing- Gov. Edmund Brown. Connally declined. Workers president, was presented by Jack ton radio interview last week by William Five days later Connally was visited by Conway, executive director of the indus- Kircher, the AFL-CIO's director of organ- Padilla, the U.F.W.O.C. vice-president; trial union department. izing, that Rangers had "shoved workers Also testifying in support of the farm back into the fields when they tried to July 21, 1967 Pancho Madrano of Washington, D. C., a dissension [who] would attempt to paint U.A.W. official; and H. A. Moon, Dallas, melons are the most perishable of Starr some of our people off into a corner, out county's crops, so that season is most also with the U.A.W. Again he was urged of the mainstream of our society, by false- to advocate an election to settle the Starr propitious for the union to apply pressure. ly convincing them that they're better off Negotiations with Virjilio Guerra, the county issue. "He said, 'No'," Padilla re- alone." ported afterwards. Moon quoted the gov- one grower in the county who has signed ernor as saying he was neutral in the dis- On June 30 the governor was given a an agreement in May recognizing the pute. Padilla asked the governor to see number of petitions that had been signed union, have not lead to a contract. Guerra that trials are held soon for those who by 266 faculty members of Texas colleges operates a farm that hires six full-time have charges filed against them. Connally, and universities, protesting alleged vio- employees and during the melon season Padilla said, promised that he would do lations of civil rights in the Valley. employs 80 workers. He is the brother of Roma Mayor Joe Guerra, an Old Party what he could about that. Meanwhile, the melon harvest has been Connally's policy of apparent neutrality leader in the county. The Old Party has concluded in Starr county. Farmers say been out of power for 20 years. Guerra's was put aside one night in Laredo last the crop was the best in history, or at month. Addressing the state convention recognition of the union is seen as a step least in recent years. Union leaders and toward embarrassing the rival New Party, of the League of United Latin-American supporters had hoped to make some Citizens, he warned of "These itinerant, which controls the courthouse where headway in their movement during May, the subcommittee hearings were held. paid purveyors of division, distrust, and June, and July, the months of the harvest; G.O. Dionisio Sanchez Wants a Well El Paso no political influence, and dresses as a plimentary of Mr. Sanchez and show that The March 4 issue of Correo, a Juarez farmer, he could no get past the outer he has built farm houses, handled dyna- newspaper, had a feature story on Dioni- offices of officials. mite, and worked as a miner. He worked sio Sanchez Losoya. The article, entitled Last year Mr. Sanchez saw Licenciado fourteen years as a foreman for the Mexi- "Why Did They Go to the Revolution?", Juan Gil Preciado, the Mexican minister can national commission of irrigation; he told how young Dionisio Sanchez went of agriculture, when the minister was in worked in California during World War II. to war in 1911 and followed Francisco Juarez. Lic. Gil promised to dig the Madero "for liberty and justice." The well free within the year. And Gil Mr. Sanchez emphasized that he has worked all his life and is not looking for photograph accompanying the article kept his promise: in October a depart- a handout. "I do not want any money; showed the 20-year-old soldier riding into ment crew came to Villa Ahumada and Mexico City in I do not even want money to pass through 191.4 beside Emiliano Za- dug a well which, says Mr. Sanchez, has my hands. All I want is the pata and General Francisco Villa. 80 meters of water and is good not only prueba so that we can get our well. If anyone has any But Mr. Sanchez is not a revolutionary for irrigation but for drinking. money, they can give it to Talleres de any more. He is 56 years older than the Mr. Sanchez then made another trip to Santiago." young man in the photograph, and what Mexico City — this time to finance a he wants now is a water well. pump and motor for the well through When asked why he thought the depart- Mr. Sanchez lives in the small town of El Banco Credito Ejidal. The bank agreed ment of agriculture had put in a six- Villa Ahumada, 85 miles south of Juarez. to finance the pump and motor over a inch pipe when the eight-inch pipe was Since the days of the Revolution he has standard, Mr. Sanchez shrugged and said, been concerned about the poor of Mexico "Who knows? Perhaps they just wanted and the means of helping them. He is a Elroy Bode to do the job as cheaply as possible and farmer, and poor himself. He is convinced thought they would never hear any more that water is crucial for the people in the four-year period, but first required com- about it." He told of the politicians who state of Chihuahua: with water wells the pletion of an official document called a had made fun of his project — who had dry lands of Northern Mexico could be prueba — given him the run-around during the past a sample or "proof" which six years. made to support the poor. They could states that a well does exist, that it can form granjas, or community farms, and produce sufficient water for irrigation, Because of the difficulties in getting his raise crops to feed themselves. They could etc. well, Mr. Sanchez has been advised to stay in the country rather than being When Mr. Sanchez again contacted the give up the idea of trying to farm and forced to go to border towns such as department of agriculture about the prue- move to Juarez. But he doesn't want to. Juarez where they become beggars on the ba Mr. Preciado told him that although He says that with water he can raise his streets. the department did test wells free it own food and feed others as well. "In Water wells, granjas, these are what only had equipment to test eight-inch well Juarez the poor just end up looking in this patient, hard-working ex-revolution- pipes. Since the crew had installed a six- the garbage cans . . . the rich are not ary believes can offer hope to the poor. inch pipe at Villa Ahumada, Mr. Sanchez interested in anybody but the rich," he would have to get the well tested at his said. SIX YEARS AGO Mr. Sanchez own expense. started trying to get a well for himself Mr. Sanchez came back to Juarez and M R. SANCHEZ IS tired and bit- and a group of fifteen families that live located a garage — Talleres de Santiago— ter, but he indicated he will not quit. He outside Villa Ahumada. He believed that that had the necessary equipment to test tapped his papers on his knee and said, with a well they could grow two crops a six-inch well pipes. The cost, the garage "We are old revolutionaries, and we have year and be self-sustaining. He made sev- owner said, of going from Juarez to Villa been fighting the last six years for a well. eral trips to Mexico City, but since he has Ahumada and doing the test was 5,100 When the Revolution was over the gen- pesos, or $408. 10 The Texas Observer erals took anything they wanted—ranches, Mr. Sanchez was in El Paso three weeks fincas, livestock. Today there are men who "FIELL HATH NO FURY ago, still looking for a way to get his well do not even know the smell of gun- LIKE A CATFISH SCORNED" operating in spite of his not having $408 powder who are living like kings . . . We Eat Some At for the prueba. He hopes that he can find went to the Revolution for a piece of land someone who can help him. Among the and the water to seed it. I swear I will THE PIER personal papers which he carries inside ON LAKE AUSTIN bring justice to those men who, with their his denim jacket are letters of recom- hands, still want to work the earth." —Jim Walls, Prop. mendation dating back over the past So he continues to wait — without thirty-five years. They are all highly corn- money, influence, or his well. Political Intelligence Looking Ahead to Next Year The amount and type of new taxes "bargain with the communities in this A leader of Texas liberals, whose sug- that are voted by the 1968 special state for votes in exchange for legislative gestions are taken seriously, believes session of the legislature will be the key favors that he would bestow or withhold that Byron Abernethy, the reinstated pro- issue of those proceedings and may de- in July following the primaries, depending fessor of government whose dismissal termine the extent of Republicans' pro- on whether or not they delivered enough from Texas Tech resulted in the black- gress in bringing about a two-party Texas. votes and money to him and his annt•int- listing of that institution by the American It is generally expected in Austin that ed candidates. . .. It is a pure political Assn. of University Professors for a dec- the session will be held next summer maneuver — don't pass the tax bill before ade, but who has now won out in the case, after the primary elections. Gov . John the coming primaries and promise the should be considered as a candidate for Connally recommended to the legislature moon to those who will contribute money governor. Abernethy did not leave Lub- that a one-year budget be provided in the and deliver favors in the way of appro- bock, but stayed there as a labor-manage- session just concluded and that the sec- priations." ment arbitrator and consultant. He has ond year of the biennium be funded dur- won back pay and vindication. He and ing a special session in 1968. This was the The '68 Lineup two other faculty members were fired in governor's way out of a political dilemma 1957 because of liberal political activities when $45 million worth of his recom- V Meanwhile, in the wake of the legis- and pro-integration stands. mendations for new taxes for the bien- lature's adjournment this year, it ap- V Speaker Ben Barnes evidently will nimum were opposed by many of the pears that the Democratic primary next have to content himself with a third lawmakers. Opposition was evident on spring will be the hottest since 1962 with round as leader of the House, though the part of rural legislators to doing away this line-up of opponents: For governor: there is some speculation that he may with some funds for farm-to-market Connally, liberal Don Yarborough in a yield the lower house's leadership on the roads, and numerous pairs of cold feet third try for the top job, and Lt. Gov. eve of the 1969 session to one of his lieu- were noticeable on legislators who didn't Preston Smith. Lieutenant governor: tenants such as Reps. Gus Mutscher of want a record vote on the liquor by the Spears vs. Ralph Hall, the State Senator Brenham, Randy Pendleton of Andrews, jigger plan. from Rockwall. However, it is heard these or Ralph Wayne of Plainview. Barnes, this V Some Democrats have expressed their days that Spears might be considering theory runs, could be appointed Secretary dismay at the prospect of voting new another try for attorney general against of State, replacing John Hill, if Hill would taxes during an election year. Since Re- the incumbent Crawford Martin. be willing to move to another job, per- publicans number only four of their party V Close political associates of Waggoner haps a judgeship. This is the manner in among the legislature, leaders of the GOP Carr, former state attorney general which Barnes became Speaker just be- are rubbing their hands together over who ran for U.S. senator and lost, tend to dismiss him as a contender for high office fore the opening of the 1965 legislature, the prospect of being able to indulge in moving up when Byron Tunnell became free-swinging criticism of the 1968 ses- in 1968. sion, should an unpopular tax, or taxes, V Don Yarborough and family continue a Railroad Cmsr. and urging that those to bask about in Europe. Don is learn- be voted, as is quite possible. The GOP July 21, 1967 11 has cause to hope that the '68 session ing Spanish, presumably preparatory to could be a political disaster for the Demo- running for governor again in 1968, per- crats. The Republicans have already pre- haps with a Castilian accent. His Houston pared a potent campaign issue in attack- sidekick and close adviser, Jim Phelps, is GARNER AND SMITH ing the peculiarities of the state budget understood to have visited with him in 14VSTOIIRE for fiscal 1968 (Obs., May 26). Spain recently. Liberals sit around their V State Sen. Barbara Jordan, Houston cocktail tables these days debating wheth- liberal, has predicted that a raise in er they would prefer that Franklin Spears . . . offers its customary 10% the state sales tax is to be recommended or Don Yarborough run for governor. by the Connally administration next year. All this is no doubt premature, as all discount on .. . Republican Sen. Henry Grover, also of speculation six months in advance of a political season is. Gov. Connally has said Houston, believes that the legislature will THREE MEN IN TEXAS enact an income tax during the session, he will make his own decision about since liberals have, he believes, enough whether to run for a fourth term by Octo- Bedichek, Webb and Dobie strength in the Senate to stall a sales tax ber, although that doesn't necessarily increase. Grover has lead an effort to mean he'll announce it then. Listed at $6.50 erode some of the governor's conserva- BUMPERSTRIPS: tive strength by charging that Connally worked some with Senate liberals in the Edited by Ronnie Dugger, this col- recent session, most notably in trying to KENNEDY PaQ lection of writings includes reminis- get the House budget through the upper cences, essays, and letters from the chamber without a conference committee. FOLBRIGHT VU special editions of The Texas Observ- Grover believes a one-cent hike in the er, as well as pieces published else- state sales tax is likely, so long as liberals win either a corporate or a personal in- Fluorescent, genuine peel-off where or written expressly for this bumperstrip stock. come tax at the same time. volume. V If the session is held after the pri- 2 for 25c — 10 for $1 150 for $10 — 1,000 for $50 maries, then Connally will have some 2116 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78705 added political leverage next spring. So reasons Franklin Spears, the San Antonio Texas Division Mail order requests promptly filled Citizens for Kennedy-Fulbright liberal who plans a statewide race next P.O. Box 1056 Austin, Texas 78767 year. Spears figures that Connally could representatives who were pledged to Tun- such a race might be in Yarborough's nell for the speakership support Barnes. V Bill Kilgarlin, who ran for Congress as mind; the Senator says he'll decide after a liberal Democrat against incumbent As Secy. of State Barnes could improve Congress adjourns. his standing as a potential governor, it is Bob Casey in the southern district in figured, whenever Connally decides to However, he is not considered a likely Houston and lost, is now living in a house give up the governor's job. candidate at this point; he is gaining in in River Oaks, in the district of Cong. One of the House's top names, Rep. prestige in Washington, too much so to George Bush. This does not, however, consider lightly the prospect of giving that Gene Fondren, Taylor, has said he won't mean that Kilgarlin is likely to take on Bush. run for reelection. It is believed he is up. Yarborough can, however, do his best planning to accept a job in Washington to prepare the ground for another liberal with a railroad association. Fondren had gubernatorial candidate. And, particularly GOP Worries collected - in two speeches of recent months, he has a number of pledges for a 'Speak- V The Democrats have to worry about er's race whenever Barnes moves on. Fon- seemed to be doing just that. Addressing the legislature in April and the North Dal- a divisive primary, voter reaction dren's withdrawal makes Mutscher the against their legislature, and, if Connally most likely Barnes successor. Mutscher las Democratic Women in May, the Senator deplored Texas' low standing in wins the primary, the Fourth Term Bur- claimed, last week, to have pledges of sup- den. But the Republicans have troubles, port from more than 120 of the 150 House education and low per capita income, ex- tensive poverty, and lack of a minimum too. They have no candidate for governor members for redemption when Barnes wage. yet, will be pressed to find enough good leaves. candidates for statewide and the 181 legis- It seems evident that Barnes must bide "Texas needs more education, not more intoxication," Yarborough said, jabbing at lative races, and must heal wounds from his time through next year's elections, the 1964 Goldwater campaign that still fes- since Connally seems unready to stand Connally's liquor by the drink proposal. He cited the impact of the federal dollar ter, dividing the party's limited number aside and, moreover, has indicated that of faithful in Texas into Goldwater and Sen. Hall likely will be his running mate on Texas and, in so doing, took another poke at the governor: "Did you know that more moderate wings. The Goldwater peo- in 1968. There is talk of Barnes running ple nationwide seem to be lining up be- for the second spot, but this appears un- 90 cents of every dollar spent on the Inter- state Highway system was federal money? hind Richard Nixon, though they would likely; the governor seems to prefer Hall prefer Ronald Reagan, while the other at this point. The state government cuts the ribbons, dedicates the roads, and whips the con- Republicans take their choice among sev- Other potential entrants in next year's eral candidates. tractors drawing those big federal checks Demo primary include Stanley into line for the reactionary machine that V In speculation about whom the Re- Woods, the Houston oilman and liberal governs Texas." publicans will run for governor, a new who challenged Connally in 1966. Woods name is heard, Jim Collins, who ran a attended the recent Texas Liberal Demo- The Senator points out that Texas re- tough race against Cong. Joe Pool last ceived $15 million in federal aid for edu- crats convention in, Austin full of ideas year. Will Wilson, the former attorney cation in 1957, compared to $180 million gen- about state issues and talking enthusi- eral and candidate for the Democratic astically about the chances of liberals last year. Texas receives more money gubernatorial nomination, remains at this next year and afterwards. from the federal government than its peo- point the leading GOP contender to head V ple pay in income taxes, he notes, "be- the Republicans' state ticket next year. And, of course, there's always U.S. cause we are a low income Sen. Ralph Yarborough, a man whose ; low wage, Texas Republicans must achieve more depressed income state." family roots are deep in Texas, dating unity, particularly in Houston and back 120 years, and who has long cher- frif The Observer continues to regard as Dallas, if the party is to do well in the ished the notion of being governor. An unfounded the recurrent rumor that state next year. In Houston the more article in a recent Coronet hints that Yarborough will take a federal judgeship. conservative precinct leaders have re- duced the power of the moderate county 12 The Texas Observer gos Jon Ford, San Antonio Express-News chairman, Jim Mayor, by stripping him capital correspondent, reports the re- of control of the standing committees in cent results of a private statewide the Harris county organization. poll on gubernatorial prospects that V Meanwhile, Republicans in the state MARTIN ELFANT shows Connally preferred by 44%, Lt. seem to be hewing to the principle of Gov. Smith 15%, Barnes 14%, Don Yar- aligning themselves behind Sen. John borough 9%, and Spears 6%. If Connally Tower as a favorite son candidate for Sun Life of Canada is not in the race the figures would be president next year. TV star James Drury Smith 25%, Barnes 24%, Don Yarborough ("The Virginian") has been named to lead 1001 Century Building 19%, and Spears 11%. a national committee in support of Tower. Ford believes that Barnes "won" the Drury was active in the Reagan guberna- Houston, Texas recent legislative session from Smith. torial and Goldwater presidential cam- Smith "has made bitter enemies in paigns. CA 4-0686 the Senate, and Barnes has badly out- In other notes pertaining to 1968, a pointed him in the constant maneuvering rally was held in San Antonio by the /•~444~I~•••••••••••••••••••••44-.444#~0,* of the two legislative presiding officers Constitution Party in behalf of Alabama's for favors of the special interest groups first gentleman, ex-Gov. George Wallace. and organization," Ford writes. fro Minority group support of LBJ next year might not be as strong as in 1964. Negroes in Houston, particularly the at z ' MEETINGS younger ones, are outspoken in their dis- THE THURSDAY CLUB of Dallas meets each Since 1866 Thursday- noon for lunch (cafeteria style) at ..114■1•01111111.■ WOMM, ■••11 ■0”WIN11•0■MIN. 41•11■01111•110 ■0■1■0 01 the Downtown YMCA, 605 No. Ervay St., The Place in Austin Dallas. Good discussion. You're welcome. In- Texas Society formal, no dues. I The TRAVIS COUNTY LIBERAL DEMO- to Abolish GOOD FOOD CRATS meet at the Spanish Village, 802 Red River, at 8 p.m. on the first Thursday. You're 1 Capital Punishment GOOD BEER invited. ITEMS for this feature cost, for the first entry, memberships, $2 up 1607 San Jacinto 7c a word, and for each subsequent entry, 5c a word. \V • must receive them one week before' GR 7-4171 the date of the issue in which they are to bo P.O. Box 8134, Austin, Texas 78712 published. 111■41!NIMP. 0 ■■■ANAIII.H■ 1411•10011■01=1. •=11.11M. IIMMIK.M.1111■4•1100.11

enchantment with the President's hand- Miscellaneous Items Gov. Price Daniel, newspaper publisher ling of civil rights and Vietnam, and Dick Brown, Vic Mathias, a Chamber of Commerce leader. KTBC executive Jesse Mexican-Americans in South Texas are v The new president of the American Medical Assn. is Dallas physician Mil- Kellam, Dept. of Public Safety director looking more and more to the Republi- Homer Garrison, as well as two State cans, having become disillusioned gener- ford 0. Rouse, who was once a director of H. L. Hunt's right wing Life Line Foun- Supreme Court justices, the park and ally with the Democrats' taking them for recreation director, the police chief, the granted for many years. dation. Dr. Rouse has also been active in the Assn. of American Physicians and Sur- school superintendent, a school board Marvin Collins, executive director of geons, which is allied informally with the member, the assistant postmaster, and the Texas Republican Party, and John John Birch Society. Dr. Rouse, in his key- newly-elected Mayor Harry Akin Gov. Knaggs,• its public relations man, have note address on assuming the AMA lead- John Connally is an honorary member. quit those roles and opened a political ership, called on the medical profession Akin, whose restaurants here were in public relations firm in Austin. Their to resist the idea that health care is "a the vangard when Austin's public accom- clients may be expected to include some right rather than a privilege." Dr. Rouse modations began to be desegregated, re- leading Republicans. Al Allison has suc- is reported to have boasted that he still cently resigned from the club. It is not ceeded Collins. Allison, a Harvard gradu- refuses to treat patients who want their known if the vote on the membership ate in government in 1961, worked briefly bills assigned to a Medicare fiscal agent. policy contributed to his resignation; it may be that Akin wants to devote more for Senator John Tower, then went into Many Medicare patients, he contends, time to his mayor's job, which he won the Navy for three years on the staff of the "have no need for government help." just this spring. Commander in Chief of the Pacific and a V The American Arab Society, a Texas- V The Texas law prohibiting marriage year in Vietnam. For the last year he has based organization of oil companies between Negroes and whites is now been executive director of the Harris and Arab-American families, is trying to void. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled June County Republican Party, concentrating raise $200,000 for relief of Arabs left home- on the Tower campaign of 1966 and work- less by the Middle East war. The first 12 that a law barring interracial marriages in Virginia is unconstitutional. The New ing also on George Bush's campaign for donations came from two Texas oilmen. Congress. York Times reported that the wording of Douglas B. Marshall of Houston and H. L. the decision is "sufficiently broad and Hunt of Dallas each gave $10,000. Hunt disapproving to leave no doubt that the has extensive oil holdings in the Middle Vietnam Notes anti-miscegenation laws of 15 other states East. are also now void," including that of v Cong. Henry B. Gonzalez, ' San An- V The Downtown Rotary Club in Austin, Texas. "There can be no doubt," said the tonio, continues to nibble around the whose members include some of the unanimous high court, "that restricting edges of criticizing the nation's participa- state's leading political figures, failed in the freedom to marry solely because of tion in the war. He recently repeated an a recent vote to remove its white-only racial classifications violates the central earlier criticism he had made, that the membership restriction. Two-thirds ap- meaning of the equal protection clause" U.S. is in Vietnam without a declaration proval was necessary: only a simple ma- of the Constitution. of war. Gonzalez is highly critical of those jority was managed after the club's board V Texas Liberal Democrats are planning who are profiting from the war. The fed- had unanimously recommended that mem- a steering committee meeting in Fort eral government has "whittled away our bers vote on the matter. Rotary Interna- Worth on Aug. 5-6. Each senatorial district powers to control unscrupulous and un- tional changed its constitution in 1922 to is to name four committee members. The just contractors, even though the need eliminate discrimination, but clubs char- meeting is open to anyone who wants to tered before that, as the Downtown Austin for this kind of effort has been repeated- attend. ly shown," he says. club was, could retain their restrictions if they wished. V State AFL-CIO convention will be held V Gonzalez was the only congressman Members of the club include former in Fort Worth on Aug. 2-4. from Texas to vote against the four- year extension of the draft. Nine congress- men in all voted no. Texans voting for the extension were Jack Brooks, Earle Cabell, Bob Casey, Eligio de la Garza, Observaticins John Dowdy, Clark Fisher, Abraham Kazen, George Mahon, Wright Patman, J. J. Pickle, Bob Poage, Bob Price, Gra- ham Purcell, Ray Roberts, Richard White, Jim Wright, and John Young. Not voting Spain, Lake Austin were Omar Burleson, George Bush, Bob Eckhardt, Joe Pool, and Olin Teague. As of now it appears likely to me that win nomination against a field including V The same day the House also passed Don Yarborough will return to Texas Connally and a well-known liberal like by 385-16 a bill making it a violation from Spain, ( where he and his family Don Yarborough, but I believe he would of federal law to desecrate the U.S. flag. have been on a protracted vacation,) and be a formidable candidate running as a Two Texans voted no, Gonzalez and Bob run for governor in 1968. The power-struc- Republican. He has justified none of the Eckhardt, Houston. ture Democrats will test the waters for speculation that he might do this, but he "The voice of Congress this year," a Speaker Ben Barnes as a candidate for ts such an iron-clad cor -ervative, he might Northern liberal said recently, "is governor and decide that he's not strong as well. Franklin Speats of San Antonio old Joe Pool," a Congressman from Dallas. enough to risk losing the state with him is a likely candidate from the liberal side Pool recently has criticized Atty. Gen. in a presidential year, and John Connally for lieutenant governor or attorney gen- Ramsey Clark for failing to prosecute per- will seek to become the first governor in eral. Trial balloons keep ascending from sons who seek to obstruct the war effort Texas history to serve four terms. This one influential headquarters on the liber- in Vietnam. will not be easy for Connally to do, with al side that John Henry Faulk, the writer Pool is having personal troubles. He his recent record on liquor by the drink, and entertainer, might return from New faces a law suit filed by the owner of a the city sales tax, and the Mexican farm York City and run for lieutenant gover- Washington house he rented and is al- workers, and the necessity for enacting nor. He has a houseboat out on Lake leged to have damaged by some $7,000 new state taxes in 1968, and with the ac- Austin: if Pappy could run from a flat- worth. Last week Pool was involved in an cumulated hostilities of six years in of- bed truck, what about John Henry from auto collision in the nation's capital and fice. In this situation it might be reason- t houseboat? able to expect Lt. Gov. Preston Smith to spent a few hours in jail despite Congres- 19 sional immunity from arrest. make a try, too. I doubt Smith could July 21, 1967 The City Sales Tax taxpayers, to pay property taxes at one to pay their bills. Still, here is the fact going rate. In fact, of course, the legisla- in Texas: we have come full circle, and We now see, in Houston, San Antonio, ture had plenty of alternatives to author- the state's one-party, Democratic power and Austin, the beginnings of the conse- izing the city sales tax. In California, for structure has given us, not only a state instance, the legislature has just required Sales tax that the governor is probably quences of the legislature's and the gov- that all the cities levy property taxes at going to have raised higher next year, but ernor's desertion of the public interest in the uniform assessment rate of between authorizing Texas municipalities to en- 20 and 25%. The howls from the corpora- the city sales tax. There is little comfort in act city sales taxes. There are forces ga- tion publicists in California can be heard, the fact that good, progressive men in thering in these, as well as in other Tex- on quiet mornings, by the canoeists in the the legislature fought these developments as cities for the enactment of such taxes. Grand Canyon, but the cities will be able for many years. Power has prevailed. Liberal people, who well know that the R.D. sales tax is a "war on poverty" in the sense opposite to the usual application of that slogan, will oppose it. But the city power structures and most of the big-city Texas newspapers, (which are compliant, when the clutch is in, with the wishes of the power structure,) will muddy the issues and doctor the ques- tions until the people of some of our cities, groggy and indifferent for the most Quite an Experience part, wind up yielding majorities for the sales tax. In fact, of course, every city How exciting it was, seeing four mem- pence of so many fellow human beings. has an immediate, present alternative to bers of the United States Senate sitting How fine to hear, in Texas, elected pub- the city sales tax: Demand that, say, in Rio Grande Valley courthouses con- lic officials treating as rubbish the no- Pritchard & Abbot be hired to require all sidering the travails of that region's peo- tion that people don't have the right to property taxpayers, including corporate ple. How good to see the perplexed ex- gather themselves together into democra- pressions on the faces of those who have tically-established unions. How satisfying 14 The Texas Observer for far too long had it good at the ex- to see some of the same arguments that were gravely entered into record at the minimum wage hearings at Austin scoffed at by these American Senators. Some of the farm industry leaders who were whip- ping the ball around the infield at state Capitol hearings as Texas legislators look- AMERICAN INCOME ed on in bemusement didn't have as much luck with the U.S. Senators. We in Texas are too used to earnestly discussing the pros and cons of workers LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY having rights, of whether people should enjoy the fruits of the 20th century, or merely pick them. We strain over the ef- fect on the growers, the impact on the OF INDIANA South Texas economy, and meanwhile stomachs growl and rumble in the back- ground, unheeded, as the debate drones on. But not this time. The men from Wash- Underwriters of the American Income Labor ington, the United States Senate, would have none of it and with a wave of the hand they dismissed Texas' dated social Disability Policy debate. These questions were long ago answered; wherefore belabor the matter further? "‘I thought it was written deep into the law, by Supreme Court decisions, Executive Offices: that picketing is a right of free speech," CLASSIFIED BOOKPLATES P.O. Box 208 FREE CATALOGUE—Many beautiful designs. Special designing too. Address BOOKPLATES, Yellow Springs 24, Ohio. "The Idler." Send $1 for four sample back issues of lively, liberal monthly. 413 6th St. NE, Wash- ington, D.C. 20002. Waco, Texas SITUATION WANTED —minister-social work- er desires creative position in Austin. Effec- tive communicator. Hard worker. Available Bernard Rapoport, President now. Box A, Texas Observer. Send contribution of 10c or more to COMMIT- TEE TO STOP THE WAR IN VIETNAM. P.O. Box 2742, San Antonio, Texas 78206 for bumper sticker: "Support the boys in Vietnam Bring them back . . . ALIVE." Senator Harrison Williams of New Jersey succeeding, he would win election with outright, in line with our preference to observed. Texas' agriculture is suffering, more ease. let our readers do some of the conclusion- so you argue that the state must take this Personally, I doubt that Americans will drawing on their own. If we were circum- out on its farm laborers, is that what you entrust the nation to another Texan in spect about the police behavior, that was are saying? indignantly inquired Senator this century. probably a mistake, though being more Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts of a forthright on the subject would have growers' representatives. I had to join a been difficult, given the widely varying union to practice law in this state, Sena- Too Circumspect accounts of what happened that night. tor Ralph Yarborough of Texas points out, But I am certain that the Negroes who The response to the Observer's cover- displaying his State Bar Assn. card, in re- age (June 9-23) of the difficult Houston futation of objections to unions being July 21, 1967 15 racial situation was favorable except for compulsory. one aspect. We have been castigated for There's something to the growers' com- having gone too easy on the police and plaints about the Senators being prejud- their handling of the disorder at Texas ATHENA MONTESSORI SCHOOL iced in favor of placing farm workers Southern University. This may well be a Children Ages 2 to 6. under the National Labor Relations Act; stories valid criticism. I had thought the Call AT 2-1719 or write: and perhaps the hearings weren't truly and the editorial about TSU at least im- fair. The senators did plague the growers' plied that the policemen had acted badly, Box 442 in Austin 78767. representatives and others who oppose La and probably atrociously. This wasn't said Huelga, asking hostile questions, making speeches at their expense, and cutting them off. But perhaps we don't under- stand that that's the way Congressional hearings go; I recall other hearings that I've seen on television, and they weren't models of impartiality either. I'm not sure that's the best way for Congress to oper- ate, but there it is. It may well not be fair. Autograph But it's not fair, either, for people to go hungry in this country in this year; it's not fair for children to drop out of school at an early age to go to work and Party... supplement the family income; it's not fair for families to have to travel hun- (FREE PRETZELS) dreds of miles each year to work under subhuman conditions. The growers' basic position is: don't pass this law, a union would result, and would lead to higher wages, which we can't afford. We'll have to go out of busi- z' ness. Thus, the choice is, they say, let us have our cheap labor or we can't make it. 1607 SAN JACINTO If they can't make it, let them invest AUSTIN their capital in other ventures. If they edichek, Webb and Dobie require that people be kept in economic bondage so the farms can continue y:t operate, let those farms be shut down. . 27th, 7 to 10 P.M. Such a price is too high for a civilized THURSDAY, JULY society to pay.

This'll Cheer You Up An Opportunity to Meet With Friends In A Convivial The next time you're having trouble Atmosphere and Have Your Copy of getting to sleep, don't think about the fol- lowing: THREE MEN IN TEXAS Sen. Ted Kennedy, while dining with reporters and others in McAllen, is re- inscribed by RONNIE DUGGER. ported to have discussed, seriously, with a state-by-state analysis, how Texas Gov. John Connally could conceivably win the The Texas Observer will be selling THREE MEN IN TEXAS Presidency in 1972. Connally's strength, Kennedy is supposed to have said, would at the party; or bring your own copy if you already have one. lie in California, the Rocky Mountains, and the South. The harder task would be for Connally to wangle the nomination; If you can't make the party, the book may be purchased or ordered by mail from the Observer office, 504 West 24th, or from Garner & Smith "THE PIPE HOUSE OF AUSTIN" Bookstore, 2116 Guadalupe, Austin. Will D. Miller cc Son Magazines -- Daily Newspapers High Grade Cigars and Tobaccos (adv.) Pipes and Accessories 122 West 6th St. Austin, Texas suffer at the hands of the police day in between the races in their dealings with 'of Mayor Louie Welch. Houston, with its and day out would like to see a publica- the citizens of Houston, take exception 300,000 Negroes, 100,000 Mexican-Amer;. tions run by whites acknowledge that to the hundreds of little acts of racism cans, and thousands of labor-liberal peo- cops are unjust in many of their dealings that occur in our lives daily? with Negroes. ple should have a more liberal city gov- Houston's leaders got by with the TSU ernment. The Welch administration and But even worse than the police problem riot. No political retaliation seems im- the aftermath of the TSU disorder stand in Houston, in my view, is the pervasive minent; indeed it seems that what occur- as rebukes to the liberal movement in indifference among whites to the Negroes' red added support to the administration Houston. G.O. plight. This indifference extends into the liberal community, and is causing a grow- ing disaffection among Negroes, the ones I talked to anyway, with regard to white liberals. I note, in sadness, that it was the San Antonio NAACP that bailed out the last three Negroes of those who were arrested that night at TSU; the bail was not posted by a committee organized by white liberals to demonstrate their con- Facile Objectivity Good Quality Reporting cern about what happened. I expect there Bill Helmer's article on the TSU inci- Thank you for the effort. The June 9-23 is more concern among liberals than Neg- dent [Obs., June. 9-23] is very balanced issue of the Texas Observer was good roes perceive; but that's the point, Ne- and thorough. But I take exception with quality reporting.—H. C. Harris, M.D., groes don't believe the whites care very part of it. I was in Houston within hours 2903 Tanglewood, Commerce, Tex. much — not enough to be much of a after the shooting was over. I toured Flashbulbs and the Rangers factor in attacking the problems that dis- every room of Lanier Hall and the Junior- crimination has caused. Why do flashbulbs bother the Rangers? Senior Dorm and personally observed We know that the sun shines bright in I wonder if white liberals are not trust- hundreds — literally — of smashed TV's, Texas. In fact, we know the Rangers have ed, not looked to for assistance, by Ne- radios, and other valuable personal pos- sunglasses to protect their eyes from the groes, because we feel we have passed a sessions. Many students complained of sun. So why all the fuss about flashbulbs test of our times by simply believing that missing wristwatches and other smaller on cameras? Is this really their reason people are equal. Simply thinking right items of monetary and sentimental value. for barring the television cameras and cuts no ice in the ghettoes, it doesn't im- Perhaps, as Helmer states, "the boys newspaper photographers? When are the \prove living conditions, schools, job op- were whooping it up that night, and the state officials going to stop taking the portunities there; nor does it change the rooms were less than orderly when the people of Texas for a bunch of fools? — minds of whites who are mistaken in their police went in." But it is worse than Nell Herrin, 8119-B Hall, Del Rio, Tex. racial views. If we are liberals on the shamelessly absurd to suggest, as the patio but not elsewhere, what use are we? police had the gall to do, that the students No Poets Allowed The white liberal's situation in Texas destroyed that much of their personal C. D. DiGiambattista must go! No poets society requires toughness if he is to property. [Obs., July 7] allowed in this fair state. have a meaningful role—he is reviled by Even if such preposterous "boys-will- Let him be hanged from the tallest relic the radical right, he is challenged by the be-boys" stuff is swallowed, what about derrick we can find.—Emmit Tuggle, 404 New Left, he is disdained by Negroes and the Lanier Hall housemother, Mrs. Mattie E. Mulberry, San Antonio, Tex., 78212. Mexican-Americans, he is scorned by the Harbert? She told how the police had The Wrong Hank Connallycrats. What to do? Retire to the smashed her office typewriter, television I certainly enjoyed Robert N. Jones' ar- patio and hold forth at cell meetings—or set, sewing machine, and coffee urn. Mrs. ticle [Obs., July 7] and, having lived in go into the Third Ward and work, contri- Harbert, age 49, asked the officers why Henderson for a number of years, I must bute money to help improve conditions in they were destroying these appliances. say he has done an excellent job of put- the ghettoes, raise hell with city hall, de- They said they were looking 'for bombs. ting into words how it feels to live near mand that the police be even-handed as the oil industry. However, I think he meant to attribute the song "Your Cheat- 16 Black Houston has every right, under The Texas Observer all the circumstances, to regard the police in' Heart" to Hank Williams rather than as the troops of the enemy. The rather Andy Williams.—Ron Engle, Dept. of So- facile objectivity of the white liberal com- ciology, Texas Christian University, Fort munity is one more instance of our failure Worth, Tex. 76101 to relate to what is stirring in the ghet- Wartime Strategy toes, one more link in the argument of Although your Observations [May 26, the black separatists that when the chips "Church and State] highlight a very defi- are down the white liberals fink out. nite problem currently burning within On the facts alone, there should be no clerical circles, not only in San Antonio, hesitation from liberals to condemn the but elsewhere, I feel I must comment for irresponsible and unfair behavior of the the sake of some clarification that the police at TSU — if not in the name of priests were not suspended or banished our solidarity with the Negro freedom for speaking their minds on social prob- movement, in the name of simple fairness lems in South Texas or in San Antonio. and our commitment to civil liberties. They were victims of these canonical cen- Jim Simons, 1405 Bentwood Road, Aus- sures for disobeying orders and for going tin, Tex. to the press to air their gripes against Objective Treatment their boss. . . . [It's] the duty and re- sponsibility of a commanding officer to Your "Nightmare in Houston" is the issue orders in the midst of a bloody con- most objective treatment of a difficult flict, and that's what an Archbishop and and sensitive situation that I have seen. a Bishop did with regard to Rio Grande It confirms many of my own, conclusions City. We all know it's a war down there. from much more limited but still personal It can be won if all of us, laymen and observations. — The Rev. John D. Craig, clergymen, allow some room for strategy Central- Presbyterian Church, 3788 Rich- and planning. . . . — The Rev. Edward mond Ave., Houston, Tex. 77027. Quevedo, 3021 Frutas St., El Paso, Tex.