The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1941-03-13

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as best it could against the return
trip of the invaders.
It'll not be very long now before
they're back over the city for a
second fling at u.s." the air officer
predicted, speaking in calm voice.
mo report yet Of damage to i'm
portant buildings, but one bomb
came pretty flush into crowded
street and we have a preliminary
report of heavy casualties"
No word of any other squadrons
headed this way, Colonel?" Flagwill
asked.
None. We'd have picked them
up If any more were coming tonight.
But what puzzles us is how these
bombers expect to get back into
Mexico without refueling. Especial
ly since the bombs dropped sounded
like heavy ones, probably thousand
pounds or more"
''I'n want all details as rapidly as
you get then," Flagwin instructed.
by the way, have our planes taken
of for Texas YETI"
Eyes, sir. We've notified Opera
tons. Our Third Wing will have
one attack and two pursuit squad
rons at San Antonio before day.
break, all ready for business. Other
forces will report there as rapidly
as possible.
The telephone buzzed, summons
for Flagwill to conference with the
Chief of Staff. Flagwin gathered up
his notes and turned to Benning.
You'd better come along, Cap
tain. There may be some ques-
tons on Mexico City for you to an
swer."
Briefly, as they marched down the
long corridor to the staff chiefs con-
ference 'roon,l Benning sketched In
his own observations of the bombing
of Washington, emphasizing the pam
ic In the streets, the chaos and dis
order that followed.
The floor under them reeleds with
the impact of a sudden terrific ex-
plosion in the distance. Flagwilps
expression did not change, there was
no hesitation in his gait.
Here the birds are back again, I"
he muttered He shook his head
despairingly. We've been pound
ing the public by radio all evening
not to bunch up, but I'm afraid peo-
pie viii have to learn by costly ex-
perience. God, but hope no per-
sistent gas is dropped! I doubt if
there are dozen gas masks In all
Washington"
Another savage detonation filed
the night. As its vibrations waned,
there came the uninterrupted click
of typewriters and telegraph instru-
mentS as messages went hurting
across the country from the War
Department modifying the country's
armed forces. s
General Hague's conference room
was filling with generals and colo
nels, all self-possessed, but with the
effects of fatigue and strain In their
faces after long days without rest.
They were promptly in the room
where they stood until the four
starred head of the Army, now In
uniform, came In. General Hague
was grave and lined, but his Shout
ders were erect and his gray eyes
burned with level vitality.
Gentlemen" he proceeded at
once, I've gone over the situation
In detail with the President. First
III give you. brief summary of
available enemy Information"
Three enemy columns are relia-
bly, reported at our Texas border and
it is a reasonable assumption that
they will bridgehead the Rio Grande
tonight ready to attack at daybreak.
Likely enough the main body will
strike from Laredo with the obiec-
tive of San Antonio. Two other col
urnns are likely to strike from
Brownsville and Eagle Pass.
"You are familiar with the bomb
ing of San Antonio, Galveston, New
Orleans, and Houston tonight. We
hope to give those cities the protec-
ton of our air forces, beginning to-
morrow, but we are at the mercy of
night raiders for the time being. I
needn't tell you that nothing can
save San Antonio and the occupation
of our great oil and sulphur belts.
It looks pretty hopeless for our
troops. Fe