Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-03-21
Brigade of United States
Troops Reviewed Near
Battle Lines.
FIRST TROOPS TO
SEE SERVICE PARADE
Men Participating in Military Show
From First Division to Put Foot in
France-Baker Concludes Inspection
Tour Of American Sector Visits
Birthplace Of Joan Of Arc With Cen
eraI Pershing.
lBy the Associated Press.l

With the American Army In france,
March 2O.-Secretary of War Baker to-
day concluded his inspection of the
American lines in France, which in
cluded a review Of one brigade Of the
first division, which he addressed as
representative OF the whole army.
The secretary also visited the birth
place Of Joan Of Arc and inspected
troops here and there over the route
which he travelled. Tonight the secre
tary departed to fill other aspects Of
his visit to France.
The review of the brigade was viewed
from stage on an elevation in one Of
the most scenically beautiful parts Of
France. A twenty hours rain had made
it inaccessible by motor so the secre-
tary and his party made the ascent on
foot, slipping and sliding on the grassy
mud
Just, as they arrived 9. the stand
General Pershing and his personal staff
came across the field and dismounted.
The entire party joined the brigade
general and his staff.
-ssss.S Brigade, Of Seasoned Veterans.
Cold March winds and squalls Of
rain made the scene more impressive as
the brigade swept by. as bands played
music which swelled and softened in
the gusty wind Secretary Baker lifted
his hat as each regimental flag passed
by.
This brigade from the first division
to put foot in France was composed
Of men seasoned in training under sum-
mer and winter skies and immured to
all conditions Of campaigning.
They were the first in the trenches
and the first to suffer casualties. Under
the weight of full equipemnt, under
steel helmets, fit for battle, the soldiers
stepped thru the sticky mud which was
almost too much for the mules which
drew the one-pounders.
1t was tho first time an entire brigade
which has been in action had been re-
viewed and the secretary complimented
the general commanding and the
colonels Of the various units.
Baker Greets Commissioned Officers
When the parade was completed the
commissioned officers were centralized
and presented by General Pershing to
the war secretary.
Secretary Baker, with barred head, in
the cold wind, told the officers they
were typical American soldiers, and
said they were the point of the wedge
Of the army which the whole Ameri-
can people is driving into the ranks Of
their adversary"
The officers then formed in line and
shook hands with the secretary as his
name was announced. The secretary
acknowledged each greeting.
General Pershing showed gratihca.
tion at the splendid condition and ap-
pearance Of the brigade and remarked:
"These men have been there and
know what 1t is."
When the review was over the brl-
gade disbanded into units and marched
back to the camp. The secretary, Cen
eral Pershing and his staff and the
other staff trudged down the hill >thru
the mud to the waiting cars.
Secretary Visits Verdun Region.
Early In the morning the secretary
droYe to the Verdun region to a spot
from which Fort Doumont was visible.
He saw the activities behind ,ne
French line.
On the way the secretary stopped
wherever American troops were billet
ed. the organizations turning out for
inspection. The soldiers were qoes-
toned regarding details Of food and
billets.
The only complaint registered was
about scant food rations which was
found to be due to the temporary
change in the units affected Once the
secretary's party met travelling kitch.
en-. The secretary left his automobile
and had taste Of the soup and food.
His comment was VERY good"
During the day Secretary Baker
visited the American troops saying he
had called the attention of his men to
the snappy way the Americans un.
loaded and assembled their artillery.
Meets Boys From Home.
On Tuesday, finding himself in the
vicinity of a certain unit, the secretary
sent for few fellow Ohioans, Carlisle
Babcock, of Cleveland, private in the
Marine corps and the son of personal
friend. After q brief talk the two were
photographed together.
The visit to the home Of Joan Of Arc
was the concluding incident of the day,
Secretary Baker and General Perish
ing driving to the little village. They
the church where the French