Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-11-08

the activities of the nations which have
been unavoidably acting in a measure in
dependently.
"In looking forward to the assembling
Of the conference it cannot be too
strongly emphasized that 1t is a war
conference and nothing else. devoted to
devising ways and means to Intensity
the efforts Of the belligerents against
Germany by complete cooperation under
a general plan and thus bring the con-
flct to a speedy and satisfactory con-
cluson."
MEMBERS EM1NENTLY FITTED.
The men who composed the American
mission are regarded by the government
as eminently fitted for their part in the
task. as each has been personally asso-
ciated with the development Of some
phase Of the vast mobilization Of the
nations resources that has been going
on since the United States entered the
war. Admiral Benson has personally
supervised and directed the expansion of
the navy. He has had the benefit not
only of reports from vice-Admiral Sims.
commanding American forces in Euro
pean waters, but also the direct informa-
ton furnished by Admiral Mayo. COM
mander of the Atlantic fleet. when the
latter returned from Europe, where he
went as the personal representative of
the President.
There have been indications that the
Washington government was anxious to
know what might be possible in the way
Of greater naval activity against the
Germans. On his return Admiral Mayo
was in frequent conference with Admiral
Benson and members of the navy general
board. Admiral Benson has the con-
80 .~t-
the course deemed wise. No hint Of what
that opinion is. however. has been per-
mitted to leak out.
General Bliss has seen the American
army grow under his own hand. AS
assistant chief Of staff he fell heir to
the task of building the great machine
out Of raw materials and raw recruits
when General Scott. then chief, was
sent to Russia after tho Russian revolu-
ton. The great army that Is taking
shape now throughout the country Is
almost as much the product Of his con-
centrated effort as "Kitchener's mob"
was of the great British war chief.
In Oscar T. Crosby, the mission has a
member familiar with every intricacy of
American finance and American financial
resources. He Is armed with facts and
| figures that will show just what the coun-
|
,, how 1t can be done.
| Vance C. Mccormick carries informa-
tion as to foreign shipments and the
| plans for distributing war tasks over
| American industries SO that the stagger-
| ing load can be carried without a falter.
| Mr.. Colby has the facts as to ships,
transports and cargo boats. built. build
ing or planned. DR.. Taylor can tell all
| Food Administrator Hoover has been able
to learn as to the store of food on hand
or the quantity that can be produced in
any given time. while Mr.. Perkins car
show what has been done toward provid.
ing an order of precedence for outward
bound cargoes.
The mission went supported by expert.
in each of the governmental agencie.
represented and with a mass Of data or
every subject relating to American re-
sources. There will be little need for de
lay while additional facts may be cablet
after 1t.
Colonel House speaks officially for tn,
government and may be regarded as tn,
personal representative Of the Presiden
as commander-in chief of the army ant
the navy, This is the third time the colone
has been called on to cross the oceal
since Europe became enveloped In war.
Secretary Lansing's formal explanatio,
: Of the purposes of the conference comedies
with the brief announcements alread,
made by the French and British premiers.
: While the personnel Of the missions t.
he sent by the other belligerents Is no
} known as yet, 1t is clearly indicated tha
! they will be of equal importance and will
include military chiefs of each power a,
we'll as the chiefs Of the various civiliar
; agencies created for the prosecution Of tn,
|
ence probably will be disclosed only II
, events on the battle front. These may no
, be apparent soon, for 1t takes time to pu
, I'm motion 80 vast machine as is con
templated.
M, he made public. although the under
, standing here is that the sessions ar,
There have been many indications tha
, the conference was called at the reques
, of the United States.