Contents

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. Introduction vii
4. The Wells Machine 1
5. 2. The Customs House Gang 26
6. 3. Assault against the Guerra Machine of Starr County 43
7. 4. Wells and State Politics: The House Years 65
8. 5. Wells and State Politics: The Progressive Challenge 81
9. 6. The Election of John Nance Garner to Congress 105
10. 7. Trouble with Washington 121
11. 8. Political Upheaval in South Texas 139
12. 9. Archie Parr and Duval County 171
13. 10. The Wilson Administration and Federal Patronage 194
14. 11. Tension along the Border, 1911-1918 215
15. 12. State Politics: The Closing Battles 240
16. Conclusion: The Last Hurrah for James Wells 276
17. Notes 285
18. References 295
19. Index 305