THE DESERT AND THE ROSE 73 



ing for the once desirable peon but transform him 

 into a lawless bandit dreaded and even hated by our 

 New Mexican peons, yet how profoundly to be pit- 

 ied! Sentimentality plays no part in such compas- 

 sion ; for it has its source in knowledge of facts. 



Not long ago I heard Mexican labor lauded by 

 South Eastern Texans and greatly preferred to 

 that of (southern) Italians. 



"The disparagement of the Mexican character 

 so commonly indulged in was long ago concentrated 

 in the typical designation of them as 'greaser', a 

 term intended to be disparaging and insulting." The 

 like spirit of intolerance toward the peon, taking it 

 for granted that he is "no good," prevails overmuch 

 in our Valley, and the newcomer would find it to his 

 advantage to meet the peon at least half way. He 

 will lose nothing by so doing and may possibly gain 

 something. 



As for the peon's thievish propensities, I regret 

 to be unable to join the loud chorus of accusation 

 against him. Perhaps I have suffered in small 

 measure because of a lengthy acquaintance with the 

 darkey and his little ways, although neither Mexi- 

 can nor darkey has so far equalled the "swiping" 

 accomplished by fairer "help." And thief or no, it 

 must never be forgotten that the peon is the ever 

 convenient Cat-that-steals-the-cream ; of course no 

 one but a Mexican would steal! Possessions of 

 great or little value have, I admit, passed beyond my 

 ken, but without exception the abductor in the case 

 of valuables has been a white person. It should be 

 added, nevertheless, that the peon has a well nigh 



