New-York tribune., 1918-05-09
American Army of
100000 Is Notv in
France, SaysBaker
Contipued from page 1

as to the production of the heavy
type perhaps were more optimistic
than was justified. The estimate of
the ordnance department in January
has been met and is being met. Some
Of these heavy guns have been pro-
Guced, and there is every indication
of forthcoming production in increas-
ing and substantial numbers"
Chooses Words Carefully
The Secretary chose his words about
! the troops in France with utmost care.
He would not amplify the statement in
any way, and specifically asked that the
press refrain from speculation as to
what precise figures his guarded re-
marks covered or as to what possibili-
, ties of early further increase in the
force on the other side there might be-
There has been repeated official an
nouncements, however, that the govern
ment is bending every energy to rush
ing men across to back up the Allied
lines in France, and officers directly in
charge of the transportation have ex-
pressed satisfaction with the progress
being made.
There are indications, too, that the
War Department has adhered strictly
to its policy of equipping fully before
his departure every man sent across.
Relieves Artillery Problem
Mr.. Bakers conclusions as to ma
chine guns follow on the heels of pessi-
mistic statements by members of Con-
| gress in this regard In the discussion
of the production of Browning machine
guns, contracts for other types, 10th
here and abroad, apparently have been
lost sight of. These contracts pre-
ceded the placing of orders for the
Brownings, and that supply was de-
signed to meet the emergency until the
new gun was available in quantities.
The present practice of brigading
American units with French and Brit
ish divisions, it is pointed out, makes
the artillery question less pressing as
to an immediate Independent supply.
The Allied divisions to which the
Americans are assigned already have
the artillery necessary and the fact
that American infantry is added to
| them does not mean a proportionate
! increase in guns. 1t is manpower that
is being supplied by the new arrange
ment and additional gun power will be
necessary only where independent
american divisions or army corps are
| formed.
Shows Accelerated Transport
To-day's statement regarding the
movement to France is the first official
utterance made during the war indicat-
ing even indirectly the number of men
sent abroad. The fact that more than
100000 are in Europe also shows the
accelerated rate at which the men have
been moving forward since the winter
passed and eased the shipping and en-
barkation situation.
The effect of Mr.. Bakers announce
ment in Germany and Austria if it is
allowed to reach those countries will
be watched with interest.
There is little doubt that the Ger.
man General Staff has known that
some hundreds of thousands of mer
have been sent across by the United
States, but the size of the force has
been carefully kept from the rank and
file Of the. German army as we'll as
from the civilian population.
To date 1,227,0OO Americans have
been called to the colors under the Sc
lective service act. Provost Marsha
General Crowder to-day gave this fig
re as the approximate strength of the