These figures are too small because of the admitted fact that tens. of thousands were smuggled. across. by swimming the Rio Grande. In the vernacular of southwest Texas. they are called "wet: backs." More than. one of these gentlemen frankly. and with apparent pride.. admitted that. he had paid labor brokers so- much per head for these "wet backs" delivered into his custody on the. Texas side.. a safe distance from immigration stations and officials. One explained that in. order to keep. them fiom running away while indebted to him for the. price paid for their delivery. and for other advances. the employers had kept their shoes and trousers from them at night. Many. similar sidelights were thrown on the character of these people and the manner of dealing with them. but they were all In line with what all Texas and all informed people have known about them since the people of Texas first came in contact with them in the days of Santa Anna and Sam Houston. in the days of the Alamo. Goliad. and San Jacinto. Our Immigration laws are going to be subjected to a severe strain during the next few years. The outside world is full of povertystricken human beings. whose labor many special interests want. America has what a hungry world wants. a meal to satisfy Its hunger.
Identified stereotypes
Characterizing Mexicans as easily exploited and controlled, and as a drain on resources.