Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-04-17
SEC. BAKER
CONTINUED from Pace Onal

arrival early today at an Atlantic
port he authorized this statement:
Il return with a sense of pride
and confidence at the achievements
of the United States and Allied
troops abroad that would justify
many trips across the water.
Whatever direct Information the
war secretary may have as to the
plans Of Gen. Foch will be for the
ear Of President Wilson alone. There
have been many reports that Mr..
Baker went to Europe for the pur-
pose of urging uniflcation Of all al
lied armies under single comman-
der. He had no comment to make
en- this point. The prompt action of
Gen. Pershing in placing his men a,
Gen. Foch's disposal is known to
have met with Mr.. Bakers hearty
approval. The French general made
a deep impression upon the secre-
tary, who is known to share fully
President Wilson's belief that vic
tory can only spring from a uni
fed command under such a leader
During his trip Mr.. Baker visited Eng
land. France and Italy and saw the bat
tie fronts all along the line. He has
been in the American front line trenches
under fire.
AS ne sailed for home the thunder Of
the British AID German guns on the
Picardy battle front was still in Mr.
Bakers ears.
Mr.. Baker also saw another phase OF
war. In Italv he visited Venice. He
found j. deserted city, its streets and
canals, fianked by palaces and art works
of priceless value, were deserted.
Mr.. Baker sailed for Europe on an
American >ruiser. He returned on a
IA nous liner formerly German but now
an American transport. The trip over
was rough, but on the way back calm
weather prevailed and the only incident
was radio call from a burning steam
er which the transport changed her
course to answer. Otherwise the party
would have landed II hours sooner
confident of the capacity and judgment
of Gen. -'ershing for the great burden of
responsibility he is bearing. The Amer
lean commander is said TO be devel-
oping and broadening even as the army
he is building is expanding.
The vast problem of American opera
tons was mapped out by the secretary.
1t represents one of the most tremen-
dous undertakings any country has en-
gagged in, and even to the men under
whose + rds J ave lassed all the plans
/ it was amazing because Of its bigness
and the thorouSt !. workmanlike way in
which Gen. Pershing and his officers
are doing their great job.
The figures of the task are astound-
ing. Those who went with Mr.. Baker
over the whole complicated system that
is being set up say that its size cannot
lie grasped except when it is actually
seen.
No DOUBT was left in the visitors
mind of tn stimulus given French spir-
it by the arrival of American fighting
forces in France. Mr.. Baker was given
OF of the amazing degree of COM
radeship that has sprung up between
the American and French soldiers and
the American and the civil population,
among whom they move daily.
When he left for Europe Mr. Baker
put the war department routine fror.
his mind. 1t will take him some days
to catch step with what has gone for
ward in his absence. He is expected.
however, TO face his problems with a
new perspective.
The only question on which the sec
rotary exercised his authority as head
of the war department during his alb
sence related to the publication Of in
formation concerning the troops In
France. Mr.. Baker went abroad con-
vinced that the publication of casual
ties lists in the form originally used
was harmless. He was quickly convinc-
ed, however. by the wisest military off,
GERS in Europe that valuable informa-
ton could be furnished to the enemy
in this wa. 1t is very evident that
Gen. Pershing's will is to govern here
after all that is given out