The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-12-15
War Departm mt Head
Makes Public Review of
the Past Year.
NO DETAILS OF
ARMY DISCLOSED
High Tribute Is Paid to the
Splendid Cooperation
of the Navy.

By Associated Press.
Washington, Dec. IA. Secretary
Bakers annual report for the War
Department made public today con-
stitutes only a brief historical review
OF the year, and so that 1t may be de-
void of information for the enemy
shows no recommendations, no de-
tailed information of the transporta-
tion of the army to France or any
army plans for the future.
Secretary Baker does say, however,
that he does not favor universal mill
tary training as regular national
policy.
"The department has not sought
and does not now seek legislation on
the subject" he says, chiefly for the
reason that the formation of perma-
nent military policy will inevitably be
affected by the arrangement conse-
uuent upon the termination OF the
present war. Civilized men must
hope that the future has in store
relief from the burden OF armament
and the destruction and waste Of war.
However vain that hope may ap-
pear in the midst of the most devasta-
ting and destructive war In the his
tory OF the race, 1t persists-perhaps
because we are encouraged by the
analogous substitution Of courts for
force in the settlement of private cum
troversies: perhaps because all the
.perfections of nature teach us that
they are the product of processes
which have eliminated waste and SUBJ
stituted constructive for destructive
principles.
when q permanent military policy.
therefore, comes to be adopted, 1t will
k- IT,
which will be adequate to preserve
against any possible attack those
vital principles of liberty upon which
democratic institutions are based. and
vet be so restrained as In no event
to foster the growth of mere militarist
or to excite the apprehen-
sion OF nations with whom 1t Is our
first desire to live In harmonious and !,
just accord"
THE FORCES IN FRANCE.
As to the Expeditionary Force in |
france, Secretary Baker says 1t would |
he unwise to disclose details and |
therefore contents himself with tell
ing of the sending of General Persh-
1g, followed by a full division Of reg
ular troops and a contingent OF Ma |
ines as the first units. He describes |
8 slso the organization of the Rainbow
National Guard division. (The Forty
s econd). adding:
"The purpose OF this organization |
was to distribute the honor of early
area and thus to satisfy in some part
the eagerness of these state forces to
be permitted to serve in Europe"
High tribute is paid to the splendid
of the Navy, by means Of
which these expeditionary forces have
teen safely transported and have
teen enabled to traverse without loss
the so-called danger zone infested by
the steaithy and destructive subma-
.ine navy Of the enemy
1t became necessary, Mr.. Baker
says. to build up an elaborate trans
Tort system for the expeditionary
'orce with great terminal facilities,
10Th IN this country and in France and
o gather a large surplus Of supplies
IN the other side as safeguard.
This placed an added burden urcn
ne supply divisions of the depart
,lent," he Gays, "and explains in part
'opne OF the shortages. notably those ,
= clothing. which have temporarily
mobilization of troops at
ome. emoarrassments now happily
assed."
!. THE TRANSPORT PROBLEM.
The arrangements made have re-
rllted, Mr. Baker continues, "in the
gnnsporting OF an army to France
olliy equipped. with adequate reserves
X equipment and subsistence and
With these large quantities OF trans
'ortation appliances, motor vehicles,
ntlroad construction supplies and an
mails. all of which are necessary for
Re maintenance OF effective opera
IONS OF the force"
Secretary Baker opens his report
nth review OF the situation in
fexfco which led up to the withdrawal :
: General Pershing's column, anti
'iys a high compliment to the self I
and consideration Of the
merican officers and soldiers both on 6
ne border and in Mexico.
Taking up the war with Germany !
ecretary Baker describes fine spirit
: service shown by the America n
eople without distinction of age. sext
: occupation
Those who believed" he adds
hat the obvious and daily exhibition i
: power which takes place in an au- Q
ocracy is necessary for natfona, Il
trength. discovered that a finer. and I
-eer. and greater national strength n
INSISTS in free people, and that the b
lent processes of democracy with r
leir normal accent on the freedom =
Continued on Page Two) Il