The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-12-28
fast it could send soldiers across, and
has worked according to schedule.

last II cOuld Send soldiers across, and
has worked according to schedule.
There came time when there was
hurry.up call for an American army
and ahead of the request of the al.
lies previously made through their
representatives in this country. That
was sNhen the French morale was be:
lieVed to be low, and it was believed
nothing would strengthen that morale
so much as the appearance of an
American army in France. Then PERISH
ing and his army Of seasoned regulars
who had been seasoned on the bord-
or and in Mexico-were hurried
across. Their appearance did the
work. French and British morale
perked up.
Since that time men have been 60
ing over just as rapidly as the ship
ping situation would permit-and they
were supplied and equipped as fast as
they could be transported.
Eut Baker never backed up in his
- announced early in
the game-that American soldiers
would not go on the firing line In
France until thoroughly trained, sea-
soned and tit to fight.
. Those who are over there have con-
tinued their training and seasoning
in France. They are fully equipped
and supplied-and Baker has taken ev.
cry possible precaution to protect, SO
far as humanity possible, their health
and their chances to come back home
when the war is won.
The Real Reason.
The real reason Secretary Baker
refused to let Roosevelt 60 to France
in command of an American army was
not political. He didn't question eth
er Roosevelt's patriotism or his SINGER
ity. But Baker felt that he was per-
s0nally responsible for the fullest
possible protection Of every American
soldier boy who went to France. He
didn't want their lives risked in spec.
tacular but misguided and unmilitary
exploits of heroism. He determined
that they would 60 over there III
charge of the very best and most en-
perienced leaders in the army. So Gen.
eral Pershinerwas the first command
er sent to France Political generals
will stay at home.
None Of the delays in getting either
rifles or machine guns has interfered
with the original program. No Ameri-
can army was expected to 60 on to-
the firing line before the spring Of
1918. TAe allies didn't expect it, and
didn't ask for it. Everything will be
done according to schedule-every.,
! thing our soldiers need will be on
hand in; abundance before it is needed,
They will have the best rifles. the best
machine guns, the best munitions, the
best clothing, the best food and the
best generalship the war department
can get.
I No Cause for Fear. !
! The relatives and friends of our sol.
diers in France should not permit poll
, ticians to frighten them. The truth
Will all come out, and it will prove
that our secretary Of war has refused
to be budged an inch by political pres!
sure from his understanding of his
duty to the American soldier abroad!
| The present furry is political plot
that has been Matching for months. It
IS being hatched by newspapers and
! politicians that. seek to promote, the
political fortunes Of Theodore Roose-
welt and the military fortunes of
Roosevelts army pet and personal
friend, General Leonard Wood-who,
incidentally, was reception candidate
for the Republican presidential nomi
nation in 19l.
The game is to try to besmirch
Baker to drive him from the cabinet
and to force President Wilson to form
coalition cabinet, with Roosevelt, or
! somebody he picks, as secretary OF
war, and with General Leonard Wood
!: at the head Of the army.
1 1t is not backed or supported by
+ such Republicans as ExPresiden,
TAFT and Judge Hughes. It is a plot
J. OF the wing of the Progressive party
J which, under the leadership of Per
klns and Roosevelt. betrayed the real
Y Progfessives in 1916.