Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1918-04-18
SECRETARY BAKER
IN AMERICA AGAIN
Says He Is Proud of Achieve.
ments of United States In
War Preparation
HASTENS TO WASHINGTON
War Secretary During His Trip Abroad
In American Trenches Under Fire

Washington, April 16.-Steeled to the
work ahead of him by personal knowledge
of conditions at the battle fronts in Eu-
rope. Secretary Baker returned to his desk
a. the war department tonight from his
trip abroad, prepared to concentrate every
energy on expediting the movement of
American fighting men to France.
The war secretary, it is understood is
not inclined to underestimate the peril
that further German successes in the
present terrific onslaught against the al
lied lines might involve. There Is no
doubt however, that he believes adequate
measures 70 checkmate the German effort
will come out of the pooling of all allied
and American resources under command
of General Foch, the impressive French
commander-in-chief
Mr., Baker had little to say for publca-
ton. On his arrival early to-day at an
Atlantic port he authorized this state
ment,
IL return with sense of pride and con-
fidence at the achievement of the United
States and allied troops abroad that
would justify many trips across the
water"
Whatever direct information the war
secretary may have as to tina plans of
General Foch will be for the ear of Presi-
dent Wilson alone
Their have been many reports that
Mr.. Baker went to Europe for the pur-
pose OF urging unification of all allied
armies under a single commander. He
had no comment to make on this point
Officials familiar with the circumstances
of his conferences with the British and
French authorities and with Generals
Bliss and Pershing, however, regard 1t
as a most fortunate thing that he was
on the scene when the German blow was
struck. His presence served to expedite
greatly the decision to pool allied re-
sources in men and munitions in order to
meet the new peril.
The prompt action of General Pershing
in placing his men at General Foch's dis
posal is known to have met with Mr.
Bakers hearty approval. The French
general made deep impression upon the
secretary who is known to share fully
President Wilson'S belief that victory
can only spring from unified command
under such leader.
During his trip Mr.. Baker visited Eng
land. France and Italy and saw the bat
tie fronts all along the line. He has been
in the American front line trenches under
fire; once a German shell exploded close
to his automobile and on another occa-
sion he stood in the window of bat
tered building behind the allied line to
watch high power missiles come bowling
to tear great craters in a field less than
100 yards away.
AS he sailed for home, the thunder of
the British and German guns on the
Picardy battle front was still in Mr..
Bakers ears
While that struggle was in it's opening
stages, his party passed along the whole
British line, covering 200 miles in two
nights and day of motoring.
During all that time the British guns
were drumming constantly in their ears
steady. terrible roar of destruction that
was with them Weakening or sleeping.
The German bor,ba~d.,ent was drowned
by the -ea-e. tUa:u1t oe the British
reply, although the shell bursts 9: the
enemy Joined in the chorus.
Later Mr.. Baker saw another phase of
war. In Italy he visited Venice lie found
1t u deserted city. its streets and canals
uanked by palaces and art works of price,
less value were deserted. An occasional
soldier and here and there a lingering
civilian were the only people of whom the
party caught sight of. Only one store a
lace shop, was noted by the party as
being open. To the few persons who re-
main in Venice, the American consul has
become guide and helper. The American
Red Cross is caring for them through
him.
Mr.. Baker sailed for Europe on an
american cruiser. He returned on a
famous liner, formerly German, but now
an American transport. The trip over
was rough; but on the way back calm
weather prevailed and the only incident
was radio call from burning steamer,
which the transport changed her course
to answer. Otherwise the party would
have landed u hours sooner
When he left for Europe. Mr.. Baker
put the war department routine from his
mind. 1t will take him some days to
catch step fully with what has gone for
ward in his absence. He Is expected, how
ever, to face his problems with a new
perspective and officials here anticipate
that the result will be shown In the nature
of his decisions for a man filed with the
spirit of the army in France. there IL no
room for petty obstacles or considerations
in the job ahead.
The only question On which tho secretary
exercised his authority as head Of the
war department during his absence related
to tins publication of information con g7n-
ing tie troops in France and the inactivi-
ties. He cabled Instructions that all such
tnformat!ons should be given out from
tho headquarters Of the expedit!onary
forcee. Mr.. Baker went abroad convinced
that the publication of casualty lists in
the form originally used was harmless.
xio was quickly convinced. however. by
the wisest military advisers in Europe that
valuable information could be furnished
TO the enemy In this way and 1t is very
evident that General Pershing's will is to
govern hereafter all that is given out
about the activities Of the troops in
NrancA.