South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-06

International News Service:
CLEVELAND. o., March G.
Newton =. Baker, former mayor OF
Cleveland, received notification to-
day that he had been appointed
secretary OF war by Pres't Wilson.
Mr.. Baker has always been a paci-
fist. and only recently became con-
verted 10 the necessity for prepar-
edness. But he IS known 10 be fully
in accord now with Pres't Wilson's
policy for national defense. and -
believed 10 be in sympathy with the
congressional plan for the federal
ization Of the national guard, rather
than in the organization Of a con-
tinental army. as advocated by for
mer Sec'y OF War Lindley Nj. Carl
son. when he succeeds.
Baker first sprang into prominence
as a disciple Of the late Tom $.
Jones. CIeveland's lighting demo-
cratic mayor. who made three-cent
street car fare possible through his
war on the electric railroads here.
Baker was selected city solicitor at
the time Johnson became mayor.
and was thrice reelected with John
son. He was also elected a fifth
time when Johnson was finally beat
en-. Baker then fell heir 20 tho
democratic leadership. and the fol-
loving municipal election saw him
elevated to the mayors chair where
he served four years. He declined
a third term as mayor.
Baker is IS Years Old.
Baker is 40 years old He Is mar
ried and has three children He was
graduated from Johns Hopkins uni
versity in 1892 and while there no
first met Pres't Wilson. who was
then an instructor, and the friend
ship formed at that time has con-
tinued ever since. he was gradu-
ated in law IN 1894 at WASHINGTON
and Lee and admitted 10 the West
Virginia bar the same year He
practiced in his native town OF Mar
tinsburg, and was later made secre-
tary 10 William l. Wilson, then post
master general in the cabinet OF
Grover Cleveland. Baker came TO
Cleveland in 1902 and was at once
given a place ia the law department.
He took ara active part in the
adoption OF the new Ohio constitu-
ton, which gave home rule 70 Ohio
cities, and then led the movement
which resulted In the adoption Of a
new charter here featuring prefer
entail voting.
Baker said today when notified OF
his appointment that he would ac-
cept. He is now getting his Affairs
In shape 10 go 20 Washington.
II also became known today that
Baker was offered a position as Sec
rotary OF the interior in the cabinet
when Prest Wilson was elected. but
declined at that time because OF his
work here as mayor.
Baker T. Silent
Baker would not say anything
Ia connection with his attitude on
the various questions that are un IN
Washington now. Although ne has
not publicly committed himself 90 any
definite plan for preparedness. he. -
regarded as strongly in favor OF na-
uOnal defense measures Intimate
associates say that he is an advocate
Of the swiss system Of military train
ing and holds with preparedness ex-
ponents that Il does not mean mile
tarism or brealung down q the de-
mocracy.
Baker recently sent the following
telegram % sen Pomerene in WASH
ingt0n.
Opinion IS wholly with the presi-
dent lie win doubtless save taa
honor OF the country. but cannot
something De done 20 save the party.
which al present is a dismal fai-
l.re2''
Three prominent Ohio democrats
were reported as considered by the
president for GarrisOu's ufara
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