The mysterious signals reported a day earlier were still a mystery. Perhaps there were people who knew the answer but felt the mystery was preferred.
From the Arizona Daily Star, June 23, 1916:
Mysterious Signals Baffle Investigators
No Explanation of the Lights Flashed From Sentinel Peak
Efforts to explain the mystery of the supposed signals sent from the top of Sentinel Peak Wednesday evening were unsuccessful yesterday, although investigations were made by the officers of the Safety committee and Sheriff Forbes and deputies.
The idea that someone was sending signals to another observer many miles away is considered rather improbable by most who worked on the case.
Another explanation offered by deputies from the sheriff’s office who investigated the case, was that it was the light from a lantern at the stone quarry which caused observers to believe that men were signaling. Men were working at the stone quarry Wednesday evening, and it is the theory that the lantern swinging in the wind was responsible for the supposed signals. In the dark the lights would appear much higher than they actually were.
Observers from the city who actually saw the lights stated that the looked just as if they came from an electric flashlight.
In other news, Tucsonans were worried about bandits crossing the border and threatening Tucson. As is still the case, there were border issues, but fears were heightened at the time.
ASK FUNSTON FOR TROOPS TO GUARD TUCSON
Acting Mayor A. C. Bernard and Party Leave for San Antonio Thursday to Inform Commander of This City’s Plight
In order to lay before General Fred Funston the unprotected state of Tucson, Acting Mayor A. C. Bernard left early Thursday afternoon for San Antonio by special train. He was accompanied by Fred Ronstadt, a merchant, and John Mets, a Tucson banker. Superintendent T. H. Williams accompanied them on the train, which was made up of a Pullman coach and engine.
The mission of Mayor Bernard and his two companions was not announced publicly, but it is hoped by local businessmen that it will be successful, as nothing has been done to protect the city outside of local efforts.
The decision to appeal directly to General Funston was made after a meeting of a few prominent business men. It was pointed out that Tucson was the most unprepared city along the border, and that it would be possible for a small detachment of mounted bandits to cross the border in the night, opposite Tucson, and ride directly into the city without any opposition but what could be offered by the local force.
As appeals to Washington by wire have failed thus far, it was decided to appeal directly to General Funston himself, who is much better acquainted with border conditions.
Last fall repeated appeals for aid resulted in the sending of two companies of cavalry to Tucson from Fort Huachuca during a period thought threatening.
Bankers and business men contributed the expenses for the trip.
