Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1918-08-07

He contrasted Lincoln's methods with
the kaiser's citing the case when Lin
coin refused to have levees cut on the
Mississippi as military measure be-
cause it would kill innocent women
and children. We also want to win a
clean victory, victory worth while
Chairman Gilbert then introduced
Major Rice, who spoke at some length
altho the condition of his lungs, from
the contact with German phosphene
gas, are in bad condition.
Proud Of Willmar.
Major Rice said that he was born
and raised in Willmar, had always
been proud Of his native town, and
hoped some day to return and live
here Joshingly he remarked, that
when Peter BOnde had become eighty
years old, he might consider running
for sheriff.
He realized that those present were
interested to know what conditions
we're on the other side where they
all had sons, brothers or relatives.
These boys came over with precon-
ceived ideas which were speedily
changed by the actual conditions as
they find them
Major Rice emphasized the import
ance OF the most hearty cooperation
Of the people at home to back up the
boys; without that they cannot win.
The attitude of the out and out Ger
man citizens in this country should
not surprise anyone AS a patriotic
German they act precisely as a patri-
otic American would act in Germany
Major Rice discussed briefly the
unpreparedness of this country at the
outbreak of the war, the lack of
merchant marine, and the progress
that has been made SINCE A lesson
taught, he said, was that universal
military training is necessary. A year
or two of such training would make
men out of many boys who otherwise
would be weaklings.
The war in Europe is bigger than
anyone can possibly conceive Of He
said that many seated at the banquet
tables would yet have to 60 and they
might as we'll pick their branch and
enlist
In Battle in March.
The Major then entered into vivid
description of the battle he had parti
cipated in with the Fifth English
Army in March. The world does not
yet realize what it owes to this gall
ant English army that for six days
and five nights bore the brunt of the
fiercest attack in history. Without
reserves and without trenches, they
fought on. One division of 10000 men
had only GIG left on the third day, and
they were still holding a part of the
line. The bombardment during the
first three hours was so intense that
it literally blew the ground away. The
q, p and 23rd of March will always
be remembered by the participants.
The officers, some wounded, did the
most heroic work in gathering up de-
continue resistance.
Aerial Bombing.
Major Rice described the destruc.
tive power of the aerial bombs. One
of them dropped into an ordinary
three or four story business block
would absolutely blow it to small
pieces. On one occasion, the 148th
Aero Squadron lost 10 per cent of its
men by three aerial bombs. He de
scribed an aerial raid in which over
800 bombs had been dropped one
moonlight night in the hope Of de
stroying a railroad terminal. The
planes came in flights and the bonn
bardment was terrific but fortunately
most of the enemy overshot the work
Major Rice said his service had beer
!: with the British army. The American
: squadron which he commanded vas at
tached to the British air forces. His
: sphere of action had been from Dun
kirk to Paris His mileage while II
the service exceeded 1000 miles. HI
: mentioned many famous airmen AM
:: their records. The English system i
: one of great secracy and reticence, s.
: that little is yet known of the grea
: work done by their men. The Frencl
!: are more given to publish and max
|: known the deeds Of their men, whic
! the Major thought was good incer
< tive to others.
+ Major Rice told many thrilling deed
< done by airmen, pranks they playe
K on the enemy, and how narrow e:
/: capes had taught them lessons.
Long Distance Cannon.
: Major Rice was in Paris when tn
: bombardment by the long range gun
: was first made The damage thes
: guns could do was slight owing
>. the small room in the shell for expl
K sives, but there was psychological
j: feet that the Germans were afte
! The reason so many people were XII
X ed in the church that was struck VIZ
X that the shell broke down one of tt
: pillars which supported the roof. TT
X shots were fired exactly every seve
teen minutes. Nearly everybody W;
carrying watches or clocks in order
know when the next shell was to
= expected, and at one time it was foul
Is necessary to close the exits of tt
] I city to the people who wanted
leave.
Hard Fighting Ahead.
81 After four years of hard fighting t
best that has been done is to he
back the enemy. Now it seems th