Evening star., 1936-11-15

of the enemy. Smash through them
Wipe them out"
The so-called international Le-
gion''-composed of foreigners fight
ing on the side Of the Spanish Gov
ernment-repelled an attempt by the
Fascists to enter Madrid over the Los
Franceses Railroad bridge across the
Manzanares River, which skirts the
capital.
The two forces fought bloody
machine gun battle before the in
surgents were thrown back.
At the end of the ninth day of
Madrid's siege, a Government COL
umn was reported pushing northward
from Aranjuez, threatening the right
flank of the Fascists south of Madrid.
The all-powerful defense junta had
been sitting since early afternoon
awaiting reports Of the advance from
Aranjuez Fascist bombing planes
were said to be concentrating on that
town, 80 miles south Of the capital.
The war ministry, in note issued
at 4 pm. said some enemy concen-
trations have been observed on the
front" None of the usual artillery fire
was heard in Madrid, however.
The mass meeting, which was brok-
en- up by Fascist bombs, had been
called for a m. at the Clorieta Atocha
Plaza to discuss new plans for the de-
fense of Madrid.
Organizers Cancelled the meeting at
the last minute but hundreds gathered
in the huge plaza on the south side OF
the capital unaware Of the change in
plans.
Suddenly roar of motors sounded
above Three tri-motor bombers flying
low swept across the square.
Five Bombs Exploded.
Before the crowds could scatter five
bombs exploded in rapid succession.
They were believed to be 22s -potind
projectiles filled with high explosives
used for blasting Notifications.
Bodies of men, women and children
were hurled to the streets beside the
carcases of mules and horses killed by
the explosion. Many bodies were
manned beyond recognition.
. Dozens suffered shrapnel wounds.
They lay moaning for help, unable to
move.
Those uninjured scrambled pell nell
through side streets opening on the
plaza.
One of the bombs ripped hole in
subway and broke electric transmits
sion lines and water mains.
Every window in the vicinity was
shattered and several apartments were
wrecked
The facade of the ornate Ministry
of Public Works was wrecked. Two
large stone columns of a building
nearby topPled into the street.
Heavy iron gates and a high fence
the Anthropological Mu-
scum were wrenched from their sup
ports and the front of the building
damaged.
ny @huNSh oAe~~'Ss
Windows Of train in a shed nearby
at the Atocha Station were broken.
Showers of broken glass injured sew
eral persons inside the station.
A number of patients of the Provin-
cial Hospital, two blocks away, were
thrown from their beds. Store fronts
within a quarter-mile radius were
shattered.
Water from broken mains mingled
with blood Of injured and flowed
through a wreckage Of carts and au-
tomobiles parked III the plaza.
A large truck was blown to bits.
Anti-aircraft guns fired at the at
tacking planes, but without appar-
ent success.
Red Cross ambulances and large
lorries were pressed into service to
remove bodies.
Two bombs exploded near the mill
tary barracks.
Gen. Miaja, announcing a new Of
fensive, said the enemy had been un-
able to advance beyond positions held
yesterday, despite an intensive night
drive.
Efficiency OF our war machines
now will be put to the supreme test.
We will not be content until every
single insurgent Is exterminated."
Fascists Reported Deserters.
The government announced 500
Fascists with full equipment and con-
siderable artillery had desterd from
IT,