The mirror., 1923-03-15
BORDER DAYS
CONTINUED from page I


from across the border it was the custom
to detail men, two to each place, at night
time. Such details were always welcome
for they meant two square meals, supper
and breakfast. The writer and friend,
who is a Minneapolis newspaperman, in
variably did their turn together, and at
the same place, a farmhouse situated
about a mile from Donna Pumping Sta
ticn which you may gather from the name,
is situated on the river.
The first night will never be forgotten.
After a sumptuous repast in which pid-
geon on toast and honey figured promi-
nently, we repaired to the veranda to take
up our vigil. And I can state truthfullS
that neither got one single wink of sleep
Every stirring of the leaves or rattle of
the gate found US ready to fire at any,
thing that appeared, or to waste little
ammunition whether it did or not, for
that matter. But after few turns it
became an old story. My companion,
who had been war-correspondent, Major
of South American army of revolution
lists, and sailor before the mast entertained
the callow youth, whom he treated with
generous federation, with many wild tales.
am waiting to see his name as photo
playwright, for man with his imagina-
ton would be welcomed with open arms
by scenario departments of companies that
film serial thrillers. He had the Irish
"gift of CAB" as well, and modesty was
an unknown virtue. Aside from this he
was an agreeable companion.
The National Guard has been held up
for ridicule by humorous publications and
by its ancient enemy, the regular army.
When the Guardsmen arrived on the bor-
der, they deserved it, for they were rockies
in every sense of the word. But after
several months of intensive training the
N. G. was transformed into body of
fighting men, who conceded the regulars
nothing.
The Rainbow Division was made up
entirely of National Guard units, and
you know what it did at Chateau Thierry.
The N. G. showed the regulars up on
the border as we'll. 1 will cite a few
records held at that time.
Best band on the border, including all
classes of troops, First Minnesota Infantry.
Best rifle team, First Minnesota Infan-
try.
Best hiking regiment, South Dakota In
fantry, stationed at San Benito.
Champion football team, Second Texas
Infantry.
And in this connection it may be of
interest to mention the game that took
place between the Second Texas and the
New York All-Stars, an aggregation from
the famous Millionaire Battery at Mission.
Every member was former college
player and over half were former ALL
American selections.
The New Yorkers came to San Antonio
with formidable bankrolls and a threat
as to what would happen to their southern
opponents.
Now the Second Texas had never
tasted defeat up until this time, and as it
had met some strong elevens, there was
good money to meet the New Workers
halfway. Much interest was aroused
over the game. Special trains were
chartered by the Fasteners to bring their
rooters and band up from Mission. Their
regimental colors could be seen in the
lobbies of the fashionable hotels, the St.
Anthony, Menger and Gunter; on Com
merce Street and the Alamo Plaza, and
down on Matamoros, Pecos, and Monterey,
which were to San Antoine what the Bar
barry Coast was to Frisco.
But there was no game for the massacre
that followed could not come under that
classification. Grey sweatered Texans
lined up, the ball was passed and eleven