The midland journal., 1917-12-21
AMERICA MUST
SEND LARGER ARMY
Mission Brings Back New Esti.
mate of War Task.
BRING OPTIMISTIC REPORTS
Colonel House Expected To Have Con-
ference With The President To-
day-6enson And Bliss Report
To Chiefs.

Washington. The military and
naval heads of the House Mission to
| the Allied conference in Paris re-
| turned to Washington. They brought
with them optimistic reports. They
| re-echoed the sentiment of General
Pershing that we're going to break
the German line with human
wedge"
General Bliss voiced the optimism
of the mission. He said
"The British and French Armies
and people are more determined than
ever. There is no thought any place
Of quitting before victory. And our
boys are in the same state of mind.
Every one feels that the victory must
| come"
But they brought back new con-
cept of the task which faces America.
Not only was the military and naval
problems thoroughly canvassed at the
inter-Allied conference, but the re-
sources of the Allies were estimated
IN the minutest detail. 1t was re-
ported here that the conference had
decided that the United States must
come forward with even larger mum
bers of men and ships in the imme-
diate future.
Reports Satisfactory.
Admiral Benson, chief of operations
n the Navy, and General Bliss, of
the Army General Staff, arrived here
from New York. Admiral Benson had
a long conference with the Secretary
of the Navy Daniels, and submitted
his formal report. General Bliss was
closeted with Secretary Baker for
more than two hours. None of these
officials would discuss details of the
conferences. All of them indicated,
however, that conditions are highly
satisfactory.
81 saw Admiral Benson, and we had
long discussion over the inter-Al-
lied naval conference" said Secretary
Daniels. "He submitted to me his
report of his trip"
Mr.. Daniels said the return of Ad-
niral Benson did not mean that he
would not be the permanent repre-
sentative of the United States on the
naval conference.
"That matter is not settled yet"
he said.
About what did you talk to Cen
eral Bliss?" Secretary Baker asked
about two hours" he replied with
smile.
Changes In Plans Likely.
Just what changes in the war prep
arations of America the inter-Allied
conference will effect cannot be pre-
1icted, but it is known that the oper-
ating heads of the two arms of our
service have returned with very
specific recommendations Both Gen
eral Bliss and Admiral Benson have
submitted and will continue to submit
yoluminous reports.
1t is generally believed that they
have not recommended any larger par
ticipation by the United States in the
winter campaign in Europe. 1t is ad-
nitted this is practically impossible;
and it is believed that the French and
English are adequate for the defense
Larger Part For U. S.
There has been for some time a
growing sentiment in Washington that
he United States will have to bear a
larger part in the final offensive
against the Germans. however, and the
recommendations of these plans is
believed to. be in the hands of the
government
One official at the War Department
declared that the return of these men
from Europe came at most oppor-
tune tisle, as they will both now be
enabled to tell the congressional in
quirers just what has been done and
what muse be done. Their testimony,
apparently to be backed by the advice
of all the nations against Germany,
will, it is believed, have added weight
with Congress in carrying out the
plans they recommend.