Tales from the Morgue

Meanest Man Gives Boy Fake Dollar

December 30, 1940

City detectives Sunday night were looking for the late 1940 version of the “meanest man in town.”

When Lorenzo Balsach, nine years old, 3132 Alameda Avenue, finished shining a customer’s shoes, the American man asked him if he had change for a silver dollar.

“No sir,” replied Lorenzo, “I have only 53 cents.”

“That’s all right, son, give me that and keep the dollar,” the customer said. He handed the boy a counterfeit silver dollar. The boy gave the dollar and description of the big-hearted customer to officers.

El Paso Goats To The English Army

July 27, 1915

ORDERS FOR FIFTY THOUSAND ANIMALS RECEIVED HERE FROM BRITISH BROKERS

Local Stockmen May Have to Go Into New Mexico and Old Mexico to Secure the Required Number

Goats raised in the El Paso district may soon be shipped by the thousands to the arena of war in Europe to be fed to the hungry British troops fighting in the trenches of northern France or to the sunburned veterans opposed to turbaned Turks on the Gallipoll peninsula, and to fill the orders which have been received by local stockmen the country will soon be scoured and goat meat will be at a premium.

Orders for 50,000 head of goats have been received by stockmen in the El Paso district from British brokers who are acting for the English government. Difficulty is being met with in filling the orders from the immediate El Paso district, and it may become necessary for the local stockmen to go into New Mexico and old Mexico to get the required number of goats.

It is believed that the goats will stand the long shipment better than cattle, and the present orders may be but the forerunners of large sales of the animals from Texas and other western states. The goats will be shipped to England by way of New Orleans, the same route taken by the large numbers of horses and mules purchased in America for use in the English and French armies.

All-Night Bridges Here Ordered By Washington; C. Of C. May Fight Move

September 27, 1934

Instructions Come As Complete Surprise To Business Men

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Sensation Caused

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Collector Adrian Pool Opposes Arrangement Effective Oct. 1

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W.R. Blair, president of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, last night said the executive committee of the chamber will meet Friday at 4 p.m. to discuss the 24-hour international bridge order.

On instructions from the U.S. treasury department, the international bridges at El Paso will be kept open on a 24-hour basis, starting Oct. 1.

News to this effect created a sensation at the office of the collector of U.S. customs here, inasmuch as it was understood Adrian Pool, collector, had been vigorously opposing the expected order for the past six weeks.

The order was not expected generally, since negotiations had been pending solely with the collector himself, who guarded the matter carefully, and even issued instructions that the news of the order not be given to the public until a later date.

Kept Secret

The order was received at the collector’s office Tuesday afternoon.

Several federal official, discussing the order yesterday, declared no request for a 24-hour bridge had come from any official on the U.S. side of the boundary.

It is known, however, that for several weeks Mexico City officials have been bringing pressure to bear in Washington to obtain the all-night bridge here.

Coming at this time, when El Paso liquor dealers face an almost complete shut-down, because of the special $1000 excise tax soon to be collected from them by the Internal Revenue department, the bridge order is held to be especially tragic to the best interests of El Paso, since, if the saloons here are forced to close, and an international bridge is open 24 hours, it will mean thousands of dollars that would be spent in El Paso will go to Juarez.

Wanted Early Closing

Several months ago, when an agitation was started for a 24-hour bridge, a counter proposal was made that, instead of keeping the bridge open all night, the U.S. treasury department authorize the closing of the bridge at 6 p.m. and not permit its opening prior to 6 a.m.

This suggestion met vigorous opposition from Mexican circles, it is said. At any rate, no action was ever taken on it.

For the past six weeks, it is understood, Pool has been in correspondence with the treasury department in Washington, opposing in strong language any change in the present hours at the bridge, except shorter hours for traffic.

C. of C. May Act

What action, if any, the El Paso Chamber of Commerce will take in the matter could not be learned last night. It was recalled that, three years ago, when the question of a 24-hour bridge was brought into the foreground and precipitated a heated discussion which raged for several weeks, the chamber of commerce was made to understand, in no uncertain manner, that its interference in the bridge matter was not desired by the treasury officials. It was made plain that the treasury department was handling the matter, and wished to be left alone.

It is understood that one of the strongest arguments urged by Mexican officials in their plea for a 24-hour bridge here was that it would not increase operating costs to the customs department, but fit in nicely with the economy program of this government.

Must Enlarge Forces

Customs officials here, however, stoutly deny the accuracy of this claim. With an all night bridge, the customs department will have to employ at least one additional inspector while the immigration and public health departments likewise will have to increase their forces.

The bridge order does not apply to the bridge at Zaragoza, it was learned last night.

The request for the all night bridge was made through the Juarez Chamber of Commerce.

El Pasoans Are Divided In Opinion As To Effect 24-Hour Bridge Will Have

Sentiment among El Paso’s religious, civic and business leaders with regard to a 24-hour international bridge here, apparently is about evenly divided, some expressing the opinion an all night bridge will not materially injure El Paso’s business interests, others deploring the fact the government has seen fit to issue such an order.

In an effort to sound out public sentiment on the question, The Times called a long list of citizens last night and asked their opinion on the matter. Many declined to comment; others apparently took the position nothing they could say or do would change matters, so “what’s the use?”

Following are expressions of those who could be induced to voice an opinion:

W.R. Blair, president of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce: “I do not think the order was entirely necessary. While I am not acquainted with the customs service, I can’t see that the order will do El Paso any good. Personally, I regret such an order has been issued.”

J.B. Blaugrund, retailers’ division, El Paso Chamber of Commerce: “I can’t see where a 24-hour bridge will help the business interests of El Paso. I much prefer the old order of things. It was far better for general business here. I know of no legitimate business that is transacted between midnight and 6 a.m.

H.B. Fort, principal Austin High School: “I don’t think the 24-hour bridge will materially affect El Paso young people, who are going in ever smaller numbers to Juarez. I believe older people will not want to stay much past midnight anyway.”

Rev. W.R. Smith, pastor of First Presbyterian church: “The whole thing is a matter for government control. If people want to carouse, bridge hours won’t make any difference.”

Rev. H.M. Hilliard, pastor of Orchard Park Methodist church: “We can’t hurt Juarez much.”

M.L. Burleson, postmaster: “I do not think the effect of the all night bridge will be at all bad. We used to want it closed so people wouldn’t go over there and drink. Now they can drink on this side.”

Rt. Rev. A.J. Schuler, bishop of El Paso: “The government is the best judge as to whether or not the bridge should be kept open.”

Rabbi J. M. Roth: “I do not approve of a flagrant opening of the bridge. Gambling is in existence on both sides of the river, but it is open in Juarez, while in El Paso we are less obvious.

Rabbi Martin Zlelonka: “I see no harm in the 24-hour bridge. It is a matter for government action.”

Rev. J.B. Cole, pastor of Grandview Baptist church: “I believe to keep the bridge open is dangerous. It can do no good in any way.”

R.R. Jones, principal El Paso High School: “I believe it is an unimportant question. I think there should be unrestricted coming and going between the two countries.”

300 attend birth of Sunland Park

January 2, 1984

By Joan Morris
Times staff writer

SUNLAND PARK – Amid kisses, hugs, bouncing balloons, flying streamer and tears, 1984 arrived and Sunland Park became a city.

A crowd – swelling to more than 300 near midnight Saturday – cheered as the seconds were counted away to 1984. As 1983 died, Sunland Park came to life.

The four communities of Sunland Park, Anapra, Meadow Vista and Riverside voted July 5 to incorporate into one city – Sunland Park. The communities officially became a city at one moment past midnight on New Year’s Day.

Newly elected Sunland Park Mayor David Martinez, who Friday celebrated his 24th birthday, heralded the event as a moment in history.

Martinez celebrated the waning moments of 1983 by dancing with the women of the community, changing partners frequently in what is usually a traditional Mexican wedding dance, as the clock ticked toward midnight.

He was joined in his good wishes by the Sunland Park City Council. Councilor Carlos Hidalgo said he was delirious and Councilor Irene Aguirre was too near tears to speak.

The communities had debated the question of incorporation for several years. A small group of supporters eventually convinced the residents to back incorporation, promising solutions to the many problems facing Sunland Park.

Dona Ana County Planning Director Les Olson, who had helped organize the incorporation drive, looked around the room of singing, screaming and cheering people, smiling broadly at the scene.

“It’s a hell of a way to start a new city,” Olson said. “It’s great.”