Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-05-19
ROOSEVELT REBUFFED
Wilson Regrets He Must
Turn Down Colonel's
"Patriotic Offer"
| DIVISION TO CROSS
Secrecy Surrounds Plan;
Number Not Given, but
About $4,000.

WASHINGTON, May 49,
President Wilson tonight or
dered that a division of regu-
lar troops, commanded by
Major General John j. Per-
shing, be sent to France at the
earliest practicable date.
Americas AnsWer
This is the answer of Amer
lea to Frances plea that the
Stars and Stripes be carried
to the fighting front without
delay to hearten the soldiers
battling there, with concrete
evidence that a powerful ally
has come to their support
against German aggression.
Roosevelt Turned Dozen
Announcement of the order
followed signing of the selec-
tive draft war army bill by
the president and the issuing
of a statement that under ad-
vice of military experts on
both sides of the water the
president could not employ
volunteers nor avail himself
Of the "fine vigor and enthus-
iasm" of former President
Roosevelt for the expedition.
Two Million Men 10 Arms.
The army law provides for an ulti-
mate force of approximately two mill
lion men to back up the first troops
TO go to the front. When the bin he'd
been signed the president affixed his
name to proclamation calling upon
all men In the country, between tho
ages of 2 and 80. inclusive. to regis
ter themselves for military service on
June . next The proclamation sets
In motion immediate machinery that
will enroll and sift ten million men
and pave the way for the selection or
| the first five hundred thousand Young,
/ efficient soldiers without Gripping tho
! industries or commerce Of the nation
or bringing hardship on those at home.
Draft National Guard.
| Even before the bill was signed the
war department announced that the
| full strength Of the national guard
would be drafted into the United
States army beginning July Is, and
! concluding August 5. orders to bring
| the regiments to full war strength i'm
mediately accomplished the notifica-
tion sent to all governors. A mini
mum Of 329, 600 fighting men will be
brought to the colors under those
orders, supp!ementing the 293.000 reg
ulars who will be under arms by
June 49,
1t Is from these forces that the first
armies to join General Pershing at
the front will be drawn, tor be fol-
lowed within few months by re-
curing waves from the selective draft
armies, the first five hundred thou
sand of whom will be modified Sep
tember |.
Following Is the text of the terse
announcement Of the war department
as to General Pershing's expedition:
Order for Movement.
Ihe president has directed an eN-
pedtionary force OF approximately
one division of regular troops. under
command Of Gen. John j. Pershng
to proceed to France at as early n
date as practicable. General Pershng
and staff will precede the troops
Iahroad
1T IS requested that no details or
Ispeculations with regard to the mo-
hui2atlon OF this command. dates OF
, departure or other items, be c2rried
by the press, other than the official
bulletins given out by the war depart
ment relating thereto"
General Persning has been IN WASH
ineton some DAYS. He was personally
summoned by Secretary Baker from
the southern department which was
under his command until tonight's or
der was issued.
Hero of Mexican Trip.
The man who led the expedition
into Mexico and handled his diff
cult task with such judgment and
skill as to win for him the complete
confidence of the president and his
advisers has worked hard on plans
for the expedition to France. He
has been In daily conference with
Secretary Baker, Major General Hliss,
acting chief of staff, with department
officials cooperating in the prepara-
ton of the forces he will lead
against the Germans and also with