The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-03-21
DIV the Associated Pressl.

France, March 20.-(Wednesday).
Secretary Of War Baker today
concluded his visit of inspection to
the American military zones in
France with a trip which took him
from the Ncrdun sector to great
headquarters and included review
of one brigade of the first division,
which he addressed as representa-
tive OF the whole army.
The secretary also visited the |
birthplace OF Jeanne de Arc and T!
made an incidental inspection OF the
troops here and there over the |
route which he traversed. Tonight |
the secretary departed to fulfill !
other aspects Of his visit to France.
The brigade OF the first division
was reviewed from stage on a high
plateau commanding a wide pano-
rama OF the most scenically beauti-
full parts of France. 1t is reached
by steep winding road from the
valley below. \ 20-hour rain had
made the route inaccessible by mo-
tor. so the secretary and his party
made the ascent on foot, slipping
and sliding on the grassy mud.
Pershing Comes Up.
lust as they arrived at the stand,
General Pershing and his personal
staff came across the field and dis
mounted. The entire party then
Joined the waiting division and bri-
gadc generals and their staff.
\ cold March wind and occasion
al squalls OF wind made the scene
more impressive as the brigade in
full marching equipment swept by
at company front, each saluting like
clockwork, while bands played mu-
sic which swelled and sottcned in
the gusty wind. Secretary Baker
lifted his hat to each regimental
flag as it was lowered in salute and
occasionally spoke to General Per
shing who stood behind him.
Til, brigade, Il q The first diyi-
sion to put foot in France, was COM
posed OF men seasoned in training
under summer and winter skies and
Injured 10 mud and cold under all
conditions Of campaigning.
First in Trenches.
They were the first in the trench
es and the first to suffer casualties.
Under the weight OF tull field equip
ment, from trench tools TO extra
tools, stcel-helmeted, tanned and fit
the soldiers stepped sw'agingly
through the sticky mud that was
almost too much for the mule,
S which drew the one-pounders anc
S the wheeled kitchens,
1t was the fist time that an en-.
c tire brigade which had been in ac
ton had been review and the sec
retary complimented the genera
, commanding and the colonies OF th'
various units. When the review wa!
concluded the brigade and commits
! stoned officers assembled in semi
circle and were presented in a bod!
to the war secretary by Genera
Pershing in brief address in whicl
he complimented their record o
I fitness and efficiency.
Secretary Baker, with barred heat
in the cold wind, told the officer
they were typical American soldier
. and said they were "the point Of tn
g wedge Of the army which the who'll
d American people is driving into tn
g ranks OF their Adversary
/ The officials then formed in lin
v and each shook hands with the sec
/ retary as his name was announced
i The secretary acknowledged eac'
II greeting, and when some acquaint
s. ance approached he added a per
J. sonal word or two
ID Baptism of Fire Tuesday.
h Secretary Baker had his baptisr
Ct fire Tuesday morning in the fror
o line trenches, and while he was re
in turning a German shell burst witt
D in less than fifty yards OF his mote
le car. lie was not injured.
II. The secretary went into tt
Or trenches in a sector, the location {
Id which must not be revealed, whei
is American troops face the enen
nearby. For half an hour he plo,
is ded over the duck boards. The Ge
I'd mans maintained an active fire wit
Id heavy pieces ard machine gun
e Nevertheless, Nj. Baker made h
Id way to an advanced sap, entering
nd listening post and talked for sever
ut minutes with the soldier on du
Id there.
p But the narrowcst shave WAS {
his return to headquarters. II
German shell, of los millimetre
roared down and burst cleanly lie
than fifty yards from the automobi
containing the secretary of war al
- the escorting officers. The shell i
| roadside dugout, digging b
| crater. Mr.. Baker wished to stC
! and ascertain whether there we
men in the dugout, but the chau
he teur, realizing the danger open
ds the throttle and Il ade his best spec
la until the danger zone was passed.
es- Most Exciting Day.
nj This was the secretarys hardt
lily and most exciting day in Fran,
TO- On Monday evening, accompani
les cnly by a general commanding
di- division and one other officer,
..o,o.aJ 40 , ,,o;nt ,ccaee;IIa : ~ /,