Bisbee daily review., 1918-04-17
SECRETARY BAKER HOME FROM VISIT TO BATTLEFIELDS
Head of War Department is Confident Pooling Great Allied Armies Will Win Decision in Picardy
CBy Review Leased wire)

lBy ReVieW Leased Wire)
 WASHINGTON. April 16.-Steeled to the work ahead of him by personal knowledge of conditions at the battle fronts in Europe, Secretary Baker re- turned to his desk at the war depart ment from his trip abroad.
 There is no doubt that he believes measures to checkmate the German effort will come out of the pooling of all allied and American resources under command of General Foch, the French commander in chief
 On his arrival early today at an At lantic port he authorized this state ment:
 Proud of Sammies
 -I returned 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 secretary ma yhave as to the plans of General Foch will be for the ear of President Wilson alone. Officials familiar with the circumstances of his conference with the British and French authorities and with Generals Bliss and Pershing, regard it as a most fortunate thing that he was on the scene when the German blow was struck. His presence served to expe- dite greatly the decision to pool all allied resources in men and muni- tions
 The prompt action Of General Persh- ing in placing his men at General FOch's disposal is known to have met 
 The French general made a deep impression on the secretary. who is known to share fully President Will sons belief that Jvictory can only spring from unified command under such a leader.
 Saw Picsrdy Battle
 During his trip, Mir. Baker visited England, France and Italy and saw the battlefroHfs. He has been in the American froht line trenches under fire; once. "a German shell exploded close to his automobile and on an other occasion he stood in tie win dw of a battered building behiud the allied line 10 watch high power mis- siles tear great craters in a field less than a hundred yards away.
 
 its opening stages, his party passed along the whole British line. covering 1 200 miles in two nights and a day ofl motoring.
 Later MT. Baker saw another phase of war. Tn Italy he visited Venice. He found it deserted city, it's streets and canals flanked with palaces and art works of priceless value. were deserted. An occasional soldier and here and there lingering civilian were the only people of whom the party caught sight Only one store, a lace sfoD5 was noted by the party as being open. To the few persons who remain in Venice, the American consul has become guide and helper. The Aiiefiean Red Cross is caring for them through him.
 Returned on Liner
 Mir. Baker sailed for Europe cn an American cruiser He returned on a famous liner, formerly German, but now an American transport The only incident was a radio call yesterday from a burning steamer which the transport changed her course to an- swer. Otherwise the porty would have landed F hours sooner.
 The only question on which the secretary exercised his authority as head of the war department during his absence related to the publication of information concerning the troops in France and their activities. He cabled instructions that all such in fOrmatio should be given out from the headquarters of the expeditionary forces. Mir. Baker went abroad con- vinced that the publication of casual ly lists in the form originally used was harmless. He was quickly con vinced however. by the wisest mill tary advisors in Europe that valu- able information could be furnished