Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-22

ference report previously dCCePteo
ythe house and the bill went to
the president.
ENGINEERS READY SOON.
Chicago, May 1e-Announce-
ment was made today that the
regiment Of reserve engineers be-
ing recruited in Chicago will be
ready for the field IN three weeks.
Washington, o. c., May 19.-Major
General Pershing will 90 to France as
soon as ships can be provided, at the
head OF division Of United States
regular troops and regiment Of fight
ing marines. This force will carry the
Stars and Stripes to the European
battle front
President Wilson issued orders last
night for division of approximately
$4,000 men to go to France as soon as
practicable, to cooperate With the
British and French forces,
MARINES WILL GO, TOO.
To-Day Secretary Daniels Of the navy
department announced that regiment
Of $500 marines will be added to Gen.
eral Pershin0's command,
The marines will be commanded by
COL Charles A. Doyan and composed
Of veterans Of active service in Haiti,
Santo Domingo and Cuba.
Colonel Doyan, now commands the
Washington barracks in this city. Mr..
Daniels pointed out that there will not
be . member of the marine orsaniza.
ton Wt,o 10 not a seasoned veteran of
several active campaigns.
ROOSEVELT STAYS At HOME.
President Wilson will not use the
authorization given In the war army
bill signed by him last night to permit
Colonel Roosevelt to raise volunteer
expedition for service in France. In
an announcement to this effect the
president said that his action was
based upon expert military advice
from both sides Of the water.
The orders for sending regular
troops to France, the statement re-
eardine Colonel Roosevelt and the
proclamation fixing June S as registra-
ton day for the draft were issued by
the president last night after he had
approved the corscriptlen bill.
Contrary to custom there were no
ceremonies attending the signing Of
the bill. The president affixed his sig
nature in the presence OF only men,
bers Of the legislative staff In the
white house proper and II was sent
over to the executive offices. From
there the document went to tire war
depa rtment where the proclamation
was Issued.
PERsHlNG TO GO FIRST.
General Pershing and his staff will
40 to Europe ahead Of his troops at
az early a date as practicable. He has
been here for some days In conference
with war department officials and Brit
ish military officers.
Today General Pershing auton'at-
ica!iy was relieved Of his command Of
the southern department by the presi-
dents orders.
President Wilson expressed regret
that he could not employ volunteers
nor avail himself Of the "fine vigor
and enthusiasm Of coione; Roosevelt
for the expedition"
WANTS EFFECTIVE ARMY.
ITO do So" he explained, would
seriously interfere with the carrying
out OF the chief and most Immediately
important purpose contemplated by
the legislation, the prompt creation
and early use OF an effective army, and
would contribute practically nothing
TO the effective strength of the armies
now engaged against Germany.
TT would be very agreeable to me
to pay Mr. Roosevelt this compliment
and the allies the compliment of send
ing to their aid one of our most dis
tinguished public men, former ex-
president who has rendered many
conspicuous public services and proved
his gallantry in many striking ways.
Politically, too, it would no doubt
have a very fine effect and make
profound impression. But this Is not
the time or the occasion for compli-
ment or for any action ~ calculated
to contribute to the immediate success
of the war.
NO TIME FOR DRAMATIcs.
1.-THE business now in hand is I'M
dramatic, practical, and of scientific
definiteness and precision shall act
with regard to il at every step and in
every particular under expert and