Omaha daily bee., 1915-01-31
A TALE OF MODERN MEXICO
Blowing Up Bridges Remunerative
Science Along the Rio Grande
Nowadays.
THESE AMERICANS TRIED IT
nv BDwARD RLACK

ny EDWARD BLACK
| The following little episode OF Mexican
border life has just been brought back by
an Omaha man. II gives an idea Of the
| opportunities awaiting young men who
can blow up bridges and do other odd
Jobs along the border.
This story harks back 20 Jim McGregor
and Joe McCrary. Poor ladsl ] suppose
both are now working in the salt mines
\ down In Mexico. McGregor was game
from the crown of his hat to the soies OF
his shoes. When the American consul
| OF Nogales called upon him in Jail and
inquired II there was any comfort he
craved, he told the consul 70 take care
Of MoCrary McGregor was responsible
for the situation and he did not want TO
evade any responsibility.
McGregor was a sort OF tramp. He
happened into Nogales, Ariz., on a rainy
l day and met McCrary In a bar. They
agreed to blow up bridge for the Next
cans for SIS They did the work. returned
to the American side and were enjoying
their wealth, when they were kidnapped
and taken across the line. so much for
Jim and joe
Wilson and ]. r. McInery, youths OF for
tune and misfortune. were in Nogaies at
the time. They met three Mexicans who
were In the employ Of the Csrranzists
faction These three Americans agreed
TO blow up a stone bridge. half a mile
south OF Nogales. for 500 The three
Mexicans engaged another Mexican 20
see that the work was properly executed.
A H..
mobile which conveyed the three Amer
leans and their Mexican overseer TO a
point about 20 yards inside the American
line and near what is known as Mouu-
mcht 2is.
Carlson the Traitor,
Carroway, Wilson and McInery had
agreed among themselves 70 put up a
Job that they would not blow up the
bridge ut all, but would prepare some
fake bombs and make noise which
would give the impression that the stone
bridge had gone up. then get the money
and vamoose back 10 Kokomo They
were unmindful ali this time that Carl
son, the chauffeur. was TO be their
traitor, for Carlson was in the employ of
the Villistas.
II was just about dusk. Carroway re-
manned In the automobile with Carlson
and the Mexican. while Wilson and Nc
Inery took the alleged bombs and walked
about half a mile away, keeping within
the American lines. When darkness set
In. Wilson and McTnery set off eight
sticks OF dynamite in a gulch and then
returned 20 the automobile. In the
gulch they hid lot Of explosives and a
sack which afterward proved TO be Inn
portant evidence for the government.
When Wilson and McInery returned to
the automobile Carlson pretended that
the car would not move. He then ex-
cused himself. saying he had left his coat
at a nearby point, whereas he really went
after thirty Villista soldiers who quickly
responded and surrounded the automo-
bile. this being part OF the plot. The
whole party was placed under arrest.
Carlson assuming the role OF injured in
nocence. The three American bridge
blowers at first protested. saying they
had not been away from American ter
ritory. but when the soldiers were lined
up in firing position, Wilson. who could
speak spanish. advised his companions
TO accept the situation with grace.
All Three Jailed.
Carroway. Wilson and McInery were
placed In jail at Hcrmosillo and II was
several weeks before the American con-
sui could get to them. They were given
several third-degree treatments and their
jail was underground with small peep
holes. One dark night Carroway was
taken out to a cemetery and ordered 70
stand at the side of an open grave while
firing squad stood at attention. The
colonel, formerly plasterer. asked Car
rowayyto whom he wished his watch and
Elks pin sent and also asked the names
and addresses OF his nearest kin. Car
roway says he really had despaired OF
this life. but the colonel told Carroway
he would not shoot him that night. Then
they took McInery out and asked him
II he would like to see Carroway. adding
that Carroway was under the sod. Nc
Inery believed H.
In the course OF events a Representative
OF the United States district attorneys
office az Houston. Tex. visited the three
men in Jail and told them he was uncer-
tain whether he would have them up for
violating the neutrality laws or hold
them as witnesses against the three Mexi-
cans who hired them.
and you can hang U.S." replied Carroway.
Carlson sticks 20 Mexico.
got this story direct from c. y. Bren-
niman, special representative OF the
United States district attorneys office at
Houston. Tex. met Mr.. Brennlman al
Nogales and again at brownsville. He
has been up and down the border for
years and he could a tale unfold, n he
would that would do all OF the things
William Shakespeare tells about. This
story has never been told in the alto
sether. The real situation today Is that
the three Mexicans referred to are being
held at Tucson, Ariz. on indictments re-
turned BY a federal grand jury, and
carroway Wilson and McInery are being
detained as witnesses. Carlson--wen. he
Is over in Mexico. and Il is better so. be-
cause there are certain gentlemen who
would gladly take pot shot at Senior
Carlson on sight. He knows where he
Is safe.
Carroway's recital OF his experience In
that graveyard at midnight would make
Lincoln J. Carter sit and say. Boys, this