The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-03
Five Tons of Shipping Con- tinuously Moving Neces-
 sary for Each Man
TO MAINTAIN ARMY
 A GIGANTIC PROBLEM
Chairman Dent of Military Committee Thinks Burden Will Be on the
 United States Before 3 End of War
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

Washington. January .-(Special)-flVe tons of shipping continuously moving is necessary for the proper maintenance oi each American soldier in France.
 When by next summer, Americans un- liar pershing number 100000 this gov ernment must keep en route all the time boooooo tons of food, clothing, fuel and ammunition.
 Tho above is the official estimate, and gives an idea of the prodigieus task confronting the nation. The problem Is not so much the transportation or sol d.ers but the maintenance of soldiers.
 THE GERMANS KNEW On account of the great difficulty ln- volyed. Germany based its prediction that it would be impossible Tor the United States to send and maintain respectable army in French trenches within any reasonable time. Germany in thus calculating, put great dependency on the continued efficiency of the sub marine
 
 even if it failed to smash vessels bear ing men, it could indirectly destroy those men by preventing the delivery or sup plies. The United States government aware of the German plan, set out te destroy the submarine. Despite reticence of the navy department, it is known thai in this particular, great success has been scored.
 THE GREAT HANDICAP
 Nevertheless, on account of the neces- sity of caring for each man with live tens of shipping, the United States IS timing the transportation of men witf the development of new transportation facilities. It is readily discerned that but for this necessity, Pershing woulc not have to wait until summer for al army of 100000.
 In this connection, it is learned posi- lively that lack of ships is not the only problem confronting the government. I was said today by one authority tha the government is more in need of dock ing facilities than of ships. New Yorl has been made practically the exclusive port of entry and exit. and it's every
 
 partment is endeavoring rapidly to de ve,op to an essentially high degree, al other ports on the Atlantic. If througl the efforts of MT. McAdoo railroad con gestion is relieved, more general us' car be made of ports other than tha of New York.
 THE AMERICAN BURDEN
 o1Io F,n ntfA +rot art tior is the fact that France Is also lack ing in a variety of highly equipped port Of entry. To overcome this handicap France, England and the United State have joined engineering forces, and req sonable relief within a reasonable tim is promised.
 The United States, despite handicap is determined to put in France just a soon as possible, an army large enougl and well enough trained to match ant overcome that of the Teutons It is fas becoming recognized that unless Ger many Is smashed the coming spring an summer, the United States not only wit it's resources, but with it's manpower, wi be compelled to lead the fighting. B that time, Pershing will have. it is esti mated, 1,500,0o0 men. That number, a numbers are regarded in Europe. i small but large enough. with the as sistance of allies. even battle worn allies to take the lead in opposing the Teu tons.
 FACTS ARE REALIZED
 Representative Dent, who in his ca pacity as chairman of the House com mittee on military affairs, comes dail in contact with officials of the war de partment, holds that when the len, comes, the United States will be direct