Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-17
NEW CONCEPT OF TASK
WHICH FACES AMERICA
allied Conference Return in
Optimistic Mood.
ALL CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
But Relieved That United States
Must Come Forward With Even
Larger Numbers OF Men and Ships
in Immediate Future.

WASHINGTON. December l6.--rhc
military and naval heads OF the House
mission to the allied conference In
Paris returned to Washington to-day
They brought with them optimistic re.
ports. They rc-cchocd the sentiment
OF General Pcrshins that were going
to break the German line with hu.
man wedge"
Colonel House is expected here to-
morrow to report to the President
sut they brought back a new con.
cept of the task which faces America
Not only was the military and naval
problem thoroughly canvassed at the
interallied conference. but the re-
the minutest detail. II was reported
here tonight that the conference had
decided that the United States must
come forward with even larscr mum.
bers OF men and ships in the immedi-
ate future.
Admiral Benson. chief of operations
In tho navy. and General Bliss, chief
OF the army general stan, arrived her.
this morning from New York. Admiral
benson had long conferences with
secretary OF tho Navy Daniels and
submitted his formal report. General
Hlss was closeted with Secretary Baker
ior over two hours. None OF the,.
oiiciais would tonight discuss detail,
'ne conferences. All OF them In
.ea.eo' however. that conditions arc
highly satisfactory.
General Bliss voiced III. o,,,
or the mission. He said:
Tho British and French arni.,
p.op'e are more determined than ever.
nero Is no thought any place OF quit.
pnE before victory. And our bovs
IN the same state OF mind. Every
ono reefs that the victory must come"
DANIELS IN CONFERENCE
WITH ADMIRAL BENSON
saw Admiral Benson, and we had
long discussion over tho interaIIi.d
naval conference" said Secretary
Daniels. "Ho submitted to me his re.
port OF his. trip"
MT. Daniels said the return Of Ad-
niral Benson did not mean that n.
would not be the permanent represen-
tative of tho United States on the nava,
conference
That matter is not settled yet" h.
said.
What did you talk to General Bliss
ABOUT Secretary Baker was asked.
About two hours" he replied with
smile.
Just what changes in the war prem
aratons OF America the interall!ed con.
ference will effect cannot be predicted
but 1t is known that the operating
heads or tho two arms OF our service
haro returned with very specific rec
concentrations. Both General Bliss and
Admiral Benson have submitted ana
will continue to submit, voluminous re-
ports
II is generally believed hero tonight
that they have not recommended any
larger participation by the United
States in the winter campaign in
Europe. II is admitted this IL prac,i-
caily impossible; and It is believed that
the French and English are adequate
for the defense.
There has been for some time a
growing sentiment In Washington that
the United States will have TO bear a
larger part In the final offensive
against the Germans. however, and the
Of these plans are be-
lieved TO be in the hands OF the GOV
eminent
One oficial at the War Department
declared that the return OF these men
from Europe came ct most opportunc
time, as they will both now be enabled
to tell the congressional inquirers just
what has been done and what must be
done Their testimony, apparently to
be backed by the advice Of all the
nations against Germany. will, it is
believed. have added weight with Con-
sress in carrying out the plans they
recommend.