The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1917-05-15


partr6snt-Frse 10 Tell Of rheI,
Own DiundSrs.
ey EDWARD D. CLARK.
WashingtoD.--Officers Of the British
service now here were not in O posi-.
tton to urge the American war de-
parment to order an expeditionary
force quickly across the seas They
want this to be done, however. In
fact, military members Of Great Brit.
aims commission desire above all
things that this country shall dispatch
an expeditionary force to the fighting
lines in France.
From the first the Britlshers have
shown not only n reluctance but a de.
termination not to urge the American
government to any particular course.
The visiting soldiers, however. stand
ready on the instant to respond with
heartfelt and yearning "Yes" IL
the American military authorities shall
ask II they want the republics colors
quickly to fly Mt the front.
Day by day the visitors have repeat-
ed that they are here not to urge any.
thing but to help In advice and coun-
sci when American initiative shows
that advice and counsel are desired
on any point. Therefore II is n part
OF the British intention not TO ask
the American military authorities TO
send troops abroad as quickly as they
can be rendezvoused and equipped.
Your correspondent knows, however,
that above all things the British de-
sire Is not alone for sentimental req
sons, but for real support reasons.
that the American soldier soon shall
be seen side by side with the British
Tommys and French Poilus in the
trenches Of France.
Difference Of Opinion Here.
Many American army officers, and
among them some in high authority.
are In accord with the known British
soldiers wishes In this matter of
sending troops to Europe. Others are
not agreed. There Is one obstacle in
the way of the dispatch Of an expedi-
honnry force. 1t is not the lack OF
men, or of supplies, or Of TRANSPORTS.
but 1t Is the reluctance Of some civil
ian officials to approve the course. On
this matter of the quick dispatch of
small expedltionary force to the Euro.
penn continent some Of the civilian
authorities today are in the mood Of
yesterday
The belief seems to be. however
that opposition will he overcome and
that n force will be sent within a
short time to- bear the flag to the !
front and to give to the troops of |
Europe the evidence of coming re-en-
forced support for the fighting Brit
lsh and French.
General Bridges of the British army,
member of the visiting commission.
has said in an address in New York
city that 1t Is the wish that American
troops shall appear as quickly as pos
s!ble with the armies of the allies in
France. Other British military Off.
rials share General Bridges views. II
must be understood that General
Bridges was speaking In perfectly
general way to Americans and was NOT
urging the course on American army
,fficers. When he is given full oppor-
unity In conference with the military
authorities of this country he proba-
bly, Will say to them just what he said
% the banqueters ut the dining table
n New York city.
The argument that Is being used
'aily to prevent the American authori-
les from preparing for the dispatch
" nm expedltionary force Is that II
VII take so many officers and non
officers out OF the coun-
ry that there will not be enough left
properly to train the great army
which Is TO be raised.
To Lend officers for TRAINING.
II Is pretty well known alrendy that
he British military commissioners
ND with them the French officers ,
AVE suggested Indirectly to the Amer
can war department that trained and ,
ried British and French officers will !
re sent TO the United States on re- I
uest to give the results of their ex. |
erience to American officers In order |
o expedite the training Of our new /
rmy and TO prepare II for modern
ghting conditions In Europe.
One thing all the members of the
ntlre visiting commission viii do
ithout any preliminary questioning
nd without any thought that they
re intruding their advice. They are
cling and are going 10 continue to
all the American authorities of the
listakes blunders and NEAR crimes"
the British early In the war. Cen q
raj Bridges has said publicly that =
here were scores of terrible mistakes @
Iade by the military authorities of
reat Britain. He said that MS for G
lmself although he had been en- G
ig'd In field operations for years, he, :,
ith all the others, had to learn his a
ar lessons from the French. 4
The tribute which this British com.
ander of a division paid TO the b
rench soldier was striking in IFS L
ncerity. The French were prepared G
spirit and I'm training Tho prItieb ~