Mcallen Daily Monitor

The New Era In Mexico And The Youth Movement

By MRS. LILLIAN A. RRAY
(Exclusive to The Monitor)

MONTERREY, Dec. 8—Over on Saragosa calle, near by the gloomy old cathedral which has been shorn of its largest bells stands a magnificent new edifice in brown and yellow stone and stucco, which is the home and workshop of Mexico's "New Deal" Circulo Mercantil Mutualista, de Monterrey, a society for mutual benefit and recreation. The word, "Mercantil" is a misnomer. Universal better describes it.

There is but one other Circulo Mutualista in the Republic of Mexico, an offspring of the one at Mexico City. This movement started 25 years ago by a man who perhaps knew that a government, like a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and who recognizes Mexico's need for strong, healthy bodies with attendant healthy minds. His name might have been Juan Garza, does it matter, since he has already gone to his reward.

In 1909 the first official constitution was formed and Manuel E. Gomez elected first president. At first, the prime object of the organization was physical training such as the old Greeks knew, body building for the Olympiad of life, but the movement grew and caught the fire of the Mexican mind until today it is a social center of colossal proportions having here an active membership of about 4,000. Requirements for membership: must be Mexican with a doctor's health certificate of good morals. Politics and religion as well as liquor are taboo. Moslem, Christian or Sun worshipper are welcome.

This beautiful building stands directly facing old Saddle Back mountain, Sierra de La Cilla, in Spanish. The great foyer with its mosaic tile floor, and crystal-clear fish pool, was the center of radiating corridors from which a grand staircase led to a second floor where are the balconies overlooking the great stadium and ballrooms. On the main floor are two large ballrooms, also used for basket ball, track work and other athletic activities, the showers and lockers, a library, a billiard room, a card room whose walls are hung with oils of local artists.

The writer has wept over the divine works of art in the Corcoran Art Gallery at Washington, D. C., but here I find the same touch of inspiration combined with the same delicate execution. Diego Rivera is grand but there are other types of painting here done by local students, that are far more beautiful, than those Rockefeller sought to subsidize.

Finances (Mutualista)

You ask, from whence comes the funds, the finance of this great institution: It could not be said here in Mexico, for they are still in great fear of the Russian Bogyman, but this club is a successful demonstration, a living example of practical socialism. A sample case of applied social 'mutualista where the club, its home, with all its responsibilities, its expenses, its revenues and its numberless advantages, belong to its members.

Membership carries life insurance, sick and death benefits which allow a man to die in peace, without benefit of the priest—if necessary. The card of quotas show that the average cost of membership in the club including all premiums and fees is 2 pesos or 60 cents per month. They have membership "drives", when the initial fee is omitted.

The club has been more than self-sustaining and they have accumulated investments which bring some income in rents, etc. No Foundation, no donations wound round with privilege-seeking red tape—just plain business management for Mutual benefit and operated at a cost. This might be a rose by another name, but to these happy men and women, boys and girls it is very sweet.

Religion

The bell hop here at the Ancira, Oscar, told me that, while he was a Catholic, he could not see why a man dare not die, as many of them now feel since denied the benefit of the sacrament. Knowing his attitude, I put the question:

Why do they bar religion in this club?

Oscar's black eyes snapped as he told me this story:

"Some months ago, there came to Mexico City a young man from the University to visit our Circulo. He put up at the Colonial, (Just across the calle) and I know the other bell hop over there and we bell hops talked to him. He was talk socialism all the time. I ask him, what is Socialism? He say, "I will tell you tonight at the club."

"We want to know—my God, I do not know what it is! So we go to the dance, and this man dance with a girl. She ask him, "What IS Socialism?" Then he start to make a big speech, and disturb all the others and, do you know, the jefe had to call six policemen to put him out. So after that he have no more discussions of religion or politics."

Revolution

While standing in the portal between the basket ball room and the other where a Max Schmeling was giving a group of 40 men a workout, the mother of one of the basket ball girls came up to me introducing herself as Mrs. Baker. Her husband is a jefe in the American Steel Works, and they three were members here.

This man is a native New Yorker, This man is a native New Yorker, years and is now a naturalized Mexican. His wife is a native and a fine type. They invited me to visit their home at Smelter No. 3, home 8 to inspect their rose garden, where as he said, they have every known variety, including a green rose.

Then there is Señor Joel Rocha who owns and operates a furniture factory in Monterrey and who was president of the Chamber of Commerce two years ago when the World Press Congress delegation was entertained here.

Clerks, workers from all walks of life, the bell hops, the barbers, the bakers, the candle stick makers all take part in the activities of this Society. "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

It is startling to witness the complete change taking place, especially among the women. A short space since these women were going about in their sombre draperies, gazing furtively at strangers. Now they don gym suits and take keen delight in their new freedom, But the boys out here are going through a drill and they are singing and yelling to beat the band, and when those sticks hit the floor they break out in hilarious shouts in wild abandon to make the rafters ring.

This is a glorious renaissance. These rejuvenated sons of Mexico will not be easy victims of exploitation and oppression as of old, nor will they lend an ear to agitators for they are learning lessons of sportsmanship, of gallantry and of independence that will carry Mexico to the front in the march of civilizations of the world. It is her true revolution.

world. It is her true revolution. will dance tonight to the music of four orchestras, while some will play chess or billiards or swim.

Two of these boys brought back from the Olympic games in Los Angeles fifth and sixth places in swimming. So there will be a place for the young folks this Saturday la Noche, to be young and happy until dawn in Monterrey.