The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-03-21

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 a stage on a high
plateau commanding a wide piano.
rama of one of the most scenically
beautiful parts of France. 1t is reach
ed by a steep winding road from the
valley below. A twenty hours rain
had made it inaccessible by motor,
so the secretary and his party made
the ascent on foot, slipping and slid
ing on the greasy mud.
Just as they arrived at the stand,
General Pershing and his personal
staff came across the field and dis
mounted. The entire party then join
ed the waiting division and brigade
generals and their STATS.
A cold March wind and occasional
squalls of rain made the scene more
impressive as the brigade. in full
marching equipment, swept by at
company front, each saluting like
clock work while bands played music
which sWelled and softened in the
gusty wind. Secretary Baker lifted
his hat to each regiment flag as it
was lowered in salute and occasion
ally spoke to General Pershing, who
stood beside him.
This brigade from the first division
to put foot in France, was composed
Of men seasoned in training under
summer and winter skies and enured
to mud and cold under all conditions
of campaigning. They were the first
in the trenches and the first to suffer
casualties. Under the weight of full
field equipment, from trench tools to
extra tools, steel helmeted, tanned
and fit, the soldiers stepped swinging
ly through the sticky mud that was
almost too much for the mules who
drew the One-pOunders and the
wheeled kitchens.
1t was the first time that an entire
brigade which had been in. action had
been reviewed and the secretary
complimented the general command.
ing and the colonies of the various
units. When the review was con-
cluded the brigade and commissioned
officers assembled in a semi-circIe
and were presented in body to the
war secretary by General Pershing
in a brief address in which he compli-
mented their record Of fitness and
efficiency.
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
American people is driving into the
ranks Of their adversary. The Off
GERS then formed in line and each
shook hands with the secretary as his
name was announced. The secretary
acknowledged each greeting and
when some acquaintance approached,
he added a personal word or two.
General Pershing showed gratifi-
cation at the splendid condition and
appearance Of the brigade and re-
marked:
These men have been there and
know what it is. You can tell that
by the way they throw out their
chests as they swing by.
When the review was over the
brigade disbanded into units and
back to the camps. The
General Pershing, and his
staff and the other generals trudged
down the hill through the mud to the
waiting motor cars.
Has Busy Day.
Secretary Bakers day was full
one, as he covered several hundred
kslometers in his automobile. Early
in the morning he drove to the Yer
dun region to a spot from which Fort
Douamont was visible. He saw the
activities behind the French lines
and long artillery wagon train and
marching troops.
On the way the secretary stopped
wherever American troops were bill
leted; the organizations turning out
for inspection, The soldiers were
regarding details Of food,
billets and equipment and the secre-
tary often went into the billets to
&c a personal impression. The only
complaint registered was about a
scant food ration, which was found
to be due TO the temporary change in
the stations Of the units affected.
Once the secretary's party met a
kitchen. The secretary left
his automobile and had a taste of
the soup and food. His comment
was very good"
visited the French divisional COM
mander who complimented the
American troops, saying he had CALI
ed the attention Of his men to the
and snappy way the
Americans unloaded and assembled
their artillery.
On Tuesday, finding himself in the
Of a certain unit the secre-
tary sent for a fellow Ohioan, Car
Isle Babcock, Of Cleveland, a private
In the marine corps, and a son Of
personal friend. After a brief talk
the two were photographed together.
The visit to Domremy, the home Of
Jeanne dare was the concluding
incident OF the day, Secretary Baker
and General Persi1inB driving to the
little village. They inspected the
church where the French heroine was
baptized and the humble cottage
where she was born.