The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-11-16
BAKER HOPES
TO BRING ARMY
HOME QUICKLY
In Congratulating Per-
shing He Says Work Is
to Be Rushed.
OPTION TO BE ALLOWED
Men i'm Officers Training
Camps May Quit or Finish
Courses.
OPTION TO BE ALLOWED
Special Despatch to The SuN.


WAsHINoToN. Nov. 15.-The return OF
American soldiers from France will be
expedited in every way possible This
was announced to-day by Secretary of
War Baker in q message OF congratula-
tions sent to Gen. Pershing.
Plans for rehabilitation OF the SOL
diers in this country are already begin
ming to assume shape. The first units
TO- be demohilize Secretary Baker made
known to-day. will be the development
battalions at all OF the camps. These
are made UP OF about $4,000 men slightly
under the physical requirements.
Will Keep Physical Records.
Mr. Baker said that no date had beer
hxed FOR the discharge OF these men and
that meanwhile no furloughs would be
granted. Before d,scharging these or
any others there must be n physical ex-
animation made of each and a careful
record kept so that there max be no sub
sequent claims against the Government
This In itself will be n huge task. For
this reason the plan OF dischargiug the
men while on flrlough has been aban-
doned.
The physical examination applies to
officers as well as to men. In announc-
ing to-day that the central officers train
ing camps would be discontinued. Mr.
Baker said that while no more candl-
dates would be admitted, this did not
mean that the men now under training
could not finish their courses II they
wanted TO. II will be optional with them
whether TO leave at once or qualify for
commissions IN the Officers Reserve
Corps and be placed on inactive status
Candidates who have been transferred
from the Students Training Corps will
be allowed to return to college imme-
diately II they so elect. Every camp Of
instruction for officers is affected by to-
days order
No Special Releases Likely.
Requests from business organizations
for the return of their men from the
army are already pouring in here. Sec
retary Baker said II was not likely any
would be granted. as 1t tended to break
UP units and furthermore would create
an inequality OF conditions. The same
thing would apply 10 individual requests
which are coming In by the thousands.
Baker. rs to demobillze the men in this
country, and all the others. with refer
ence TO their occupational opportunities,
so as TO let them go back into normal
life OF the country without filling the
country with unemployed men. The War
Department n working in close coopera-
tiol with the Department of Labor and
the War Industries Board"
"It an individual had an opportunity
10 return 10 his cTploymen, would ar
individual instance be considered" Mr.
Baker was asked.
IAN Individual instance, IL Il comes IN
a class that was TO be discharged as a
class. would be granted. but no pror-
ties and no furloughs will be granted"
lie said.
says Country Is Proud.
Following is Mr., Bakers telegram Of
congratulation 10 Gen. Pershing:
Tho signing OF Ine armistice and the
cessation OF hostilitles bring to an end
? great and heroic military adventure IN
which the army unor- your command
has played a part distinguished by gal
lantry and success. II gives me pleasure
70 express TO you the confidence and
appreciation OF the War Department and
To those who have labored with you ~
make this result possible. this apprecla-
tlon OF their zeal. courage and strength
both Of purpose and achievement. The
entire country is nlled with pride In
your fine leadership and In the soldlerly
qualities shown by your army.
"Now that a respite has como In the
solemn task TO which the army devoted
itself the War Department will do all
in It's power TO expedite the carly re-
turn OF the eXpeditionary force to the
United States In order that the country
may welcome its soldiers home and in
order that these soldiers may be restored
to the opportunity OF civil life as speedily
az the military situation will permit
II extend to you. as commandInR
General OF the American ExpeditIonarv
Force. my hearty congratulations and
this expression OF high esteem ard !
beg you TO make known to the officers
and mon of your command the fact that
their conduct as soldiers and as men has
7tr~ed the pride of their fellow coun-
trymcA and that their military success
has contributed 20 the great victory ror
the forces OF civilization ana humanity"
u. y. ArmOry Cuts Work shifts.
SPRISGFIELp, Mass. Nov. l5.-The |
United States Armory here to-day re-