New-York tribune., 1918-03-21
Secretary lnspects Exposed
First Line American
Positions
Has Narrow Escape
From Big Shell
Tells Rainbow Division 1t
Is Symbol of Ma
tional Unity
eBv The Associated Pressl

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN
FRANCE. March 19.-Secretary Baker
had his baptism of fire this morning
!, the front line trenches, and while
be was returning a German shell burst
within less than fifty yards of his
motor car. He was not injured.
The Secretary went into the trenches
in a sector. the location of which must
mt he revealed. where American troops
faced the enemy near by For half an
hour he plodded over the ducAboards.
The Germans maintained an active fire
with heavy pieces and machine guns.
Nevertheless, Mr.. Baker made his way
to an advanced sap. entered a listening
post and talked for several minutes
with the soldier on duty there.
But the narrowest escape was on his
return to headquarters. A German shell,
of 105 millimetres. roared down and
burst cleanly, less than fifty yards
from the automobile containing the
Secretary of War and the escorting
officers The she'll hit roadside dug
out. digging big crater. Mr.. Baker
wished to stop and ascertain whether
there were men in the dugout, but the
: chauffeur, realizing the danger, opened
the throttle and made his best speed
until the danger zone was passed.
Refuses To Give Up Trip
This was the Secretary's hardest and
IN
day evening. accompanied only by
general commanding division and one
other officer, he motored 10 point
accessible to the sector selected for
his inspection. He dned and slept in
the chateau OF French friends OF the
officers Retiring early. the Secretary
arose at O'Clock in the dark of an
overcast, Chill March day. Taking
breakfast quickly. he drove through the
misty dawn to his destination.
As the lines were approached the
steady reverberatio of guns signalled
great activity of the artillery. This
was confirmed when, on arrival, it was
found that the road selected for ap-
proacn to the trenches was under brisk
she'll fire. Indeed. the firing was so
active as to cause the general con-
siderable apprehension for the safety.
of his distinguished guest He en-
deavored to dissuade MIR. Baker from
going on with the expedition. explain
Ing the danger. But the Secretary over
rode his protest. Accordingly, another
route was reluctantly selected.
Borrows Boots From Colonel
The party reantercd the motor car
and was driven to the selected point,
as lar forward as motoring was safe.
With the general and the other officer
MIR. Baker walked over the she'll
cratered region to communication
trench. He wore civilian clothes, COW
cred with trench coat, khaki breeches
and boots borrowed from a colonel Of
about his size. He also nut on n
shrapnel helmet.
The Secretary was first put through
me regular gas mask drill. He carried
MS mask slung at the prescribed posi-
'ioh when he went in. A sentry halted
tne party as it was entering the trench
and demanded pass.
Division commander and Secretary
oi war" replied the general.
Dldnt you know that was the Sec
tetary!' the sentry was asked. as the
party passed by.
Yes, sir, no, SIR" stammared the
confused soldier.
Dir. Baker displayed the keenest
curiosity in the surroundings, so
strange TO him. asking explanations of
s'ery unfamiliar thing, it's purpose and
usc' and frequently breaking in with
.A'ertogatlons as technical matters
we're beng explained Several times
ne asked the calibre of shells which
burst close BY.
sin that -o.nL:~<
.'@'med. when one opened up from the
american trench
Questions Soldiers
oiten the Secretary stopped to speak
% me men, asXing homely que stions
..,.:, anea as: We'll, how is it going?" or
mere nere arc you FROM
r'ne, $ir, or "Going very well, sir. -
g.s the usual reply. Once The Sec.
astafy asked d private if much was
s'ng on. "It's pretty quiet. sir" came
me easy response.
Mr. Bakers questions showed ia
,,'a,.ality WITH trench construction and
fsnhicaiities, which had been gained
h,s,'a study. There was no nistakine
~ uhfestraincd and eager interest.
{, 1908 from Ohio were among those
.%s me trench. Several Of the men
~ ~ known personally 10 Mr. Baker,
S"*~Eu JTtS3T WIN LDtm ABOUT
80 sf Aomes and families. One man
ca as'a ne was from Iowa. another from
e'neag'. The Secretary kept up run
comment upon the strangeness Of
nv ctfcumztanceg under which men
aoi Am al over America we're lighting in
hssant France. Once ne renarked: Il
hn,s. Deen from farm to factory al
ana nov am in the front line y
Fesks Into No Mans Land
=, ,finaiiy. notwithstanding the protest,
- me oMcer, Mr. Baker made his W.T.,
p"14n the sap 10 the listening post
mssp'nE oyer the parapet into Nc
a., Land, he said:
dem.s y" ING '''"''e' % ifee
, ne Secretary asked the Istenin.
~ az sentry II he saw Germans often
.'os yerJ often, sir," was the re
Nv''se. Then he asked whether ths
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