The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1917-05-03
STAFF OPPOSES
PLAN OF JOFFRE
Civilian Officials Almost Solid
y In Favor Of Il.
FLAG ON FIRING LINE SOON

Sending Small Units to France
Finds Support-Generai Staff, How
ever, Wouid Train Troops Here.
Washington, May 1.-THE movement
10 have an American army sent to
fight in France at the earliest possible
moment has taken one more step to-
ward accomplishment. 1t also develops
that the civilian officials of the gov
eminent are almost in body in favor
of the plan, while military advisers
of the war department stand solidly
against sending any soldiers to France
until they have been thoroughly train
ed here.
Following the regular cabinet meet
ing it was learned the entire cabinet
was in favor OF sending men to France
at once. The request Of the French
commissioners here that increments
of American troops be sent to the
west front quickly was discussed in
general way at the cabinet meeting
and later was gone thoroughly into by
President Wilson and Secretary of
War Baker
Following the cabinet meeting,
which lasted twenty minutes, Secre-
tary Baker remained closeted alone
with the President in the cabinet
room for two hours. Later he denied
the army general staff had been or
dered to arrange to move troops to
France at an early date
HAS the general staff been asked for
advise. as to whether it is advisable
to send American troops to France as
quickly as possible?" Secretary Baker
was asked
IT cannot answer that" he replied.
White House officials decline to
comment in any way upon the ques-
ton of whether troops will be sent at
once. The Presidents opinion upon
the matter was known to no one ex-
cept himself and Secretary Baker, it
was stated.
General Staff Opposes Plan.
The first serious opposition to the
plan developed among members Of
the army general staff. 1t is learned
that practically the entire staff are
opposed to sending raw troops to
foreign battlefelds. Staff officers de-
cline to say whether they will make
adverse report upon the suggestion to
Secretary Baker.
The objections Of the general staff,
it is stated, are based principally up.
on the fact that the Entente Allies
have at present more than 100000
thoroughly trained soldiers who have
never been called to the front. 1t is
estimated that there are 100000 ex-
pertly trained men in England and g.
100000 in Japan, who could be trans
ported to the fighting front in France.
There would be no military advan-
| tage in sending imperfectly trained
American soldiers to the fighting
| 'front.'" one staff officer said
Indeed, it would be military mis-
| take for this to be done Such men
would necessarily have to be officer
ed and this would mean that many
officers would have to leave the coun-
try, thus being of no assistance in
| training the vast army we are going
to raise on such short notice"
That "MoraI Effect" Again.
That the sentimental and moral eff
feet of sending Americans to fight at
once would greatly overbalance any
military disadvantages was contended
| by civilian officials.
| That decision by President Wilson
will be reached before the French
commissioners leave Washington for
short tour of part of the United
| States is believed here.