New-York tribune., 1917-11-08

naval strategy. His position for some
time has corresponded to that of chief
of staff Of the army. In the absence
of both Secretary Daniels and Assistant
Secretary Roosevelt he has been the
acting Secretary of the Navy, so that
his duties have covered wider range
than his title, chief of naval operations.
His work here has made him admirably
qualified to talk for the United States
navy at this conference. He is en-
tirely familiar with just what the
American navy can do in cooperation
with the Entente nsvies.
General Tasker II. Bliss. the army
chief Of staff, has been in that posi-
tion since he succeeded General Hugh
L. Scott, and will carry to the confer
ence an adequate and accurate idea Of
just what is being done in the way Of
military preparations by this coun-
try. and just how rapidly men can be
trained and put in the trenches.
Assistant Secretary Of the Treasury
Oscar T. Crosby will virtually repre-
sent Secretary MeAdoo at the confer
ence. His work in the Treasury De-
partment has given him an accurate
idea of what further financial assist
ance this government will be able to
render its allies without curtailing its
own part in the war.
Representatives of the other Entente
nations may be even more interested In
what Vance c. Mccormick may have to
tell them. since in a general way they
have learned what General Bliss and
Admiral Benson may tell them through
Generals Pershing and Scott, and
through Admiral Mayo and Vice-Ad-
miral Sims. For Mr.. Mccormick has
for some months been at the head Of
the extremely important War Trade
Board. lie has had his pulse on the
situations arising out Of the supplying
Of Germany through the neutrals. He
has had TO do with the question OF the
Dutch ships, involving the problem Of
diverting as much neutral tonnage as
possible TO the service Of the Entente.
His conference with the foreign repre-
sentatives. particularly the representa-
tives of England. will have TO do with
the economic strangulation and starva-
tion of Germany rather than her con-
quest by force of arms.
Bsinbridge Colby will reveal 70 the
representatives Of our allies the diff
ficulties in the path OF shipbuilding
construction in this country, and viii
give them assurances of what this
country may be expected TO do in
the next eighteen months in the way
Of building tonnage faster than the
submarines can destroy it. He has
been a member of the Shipping Board
since shortly after the designations Of
Denman, White and Brent.
Food Problems
DR.. Aonzo +. Taylor has been work
ing in close harmony with Food Ad-
ninistrator Hoover. His part OF the
conference will relate to the ability
Of this country TO produce a surplus
Of food 20 be shipped to our allies.
lie will be able TO explain just what
has been. and can be, done In this coun-
try on food conservation, and he will
learn what the Allies have been forced
70 DO along the same lines.
Closcly related with the shipping
problem is that of priority Of ship
mcnts, on which Thomas Nelson Per-
kins, Of the Priority Board, will repre-
sent this government. Representatives
Of the Entente nations will be eager 10
convince him Of their comparative
needs, for he represents body which
determines II two shipments should
both be made which shall 70 first.