The Washington herald., 1918-04-17


VIII Follow Baker.
Chairman Dent, of this committee.
heretofore Iukewarm or hostile to
some administration military meas
ures. declared that he will support
proposals for the increase. Figures
most frequently discussed among
members of the committee as to the
total size of American land fighting
forces. range from 100000 to 5,0O0,0OO
with the majority thinking that Baker.
fresh from the scene of the German
offensive. will urge the larger number.
As Representative Kahn, OF Cali
fornia. ranking Republican on the
committee, favors even a larger force
than this, Bakers wishes apparently
will be carried into speedy execution.
The military appropriation bill, II a
program such as is expected is carried
out, will run into hitherto undreamed-
of figures.
A program of 100000 men, with the
necessary vast amount of new sup
plies, would call for 800. .OOo. 900. men,
bers of the Military Affairs Commit
tee estimate
In preparation for Secretary
Baker. the House Military Affairs
Committee has practically cleared
its calendar.
Secretary Baker will be particu-
larly questioned on how to raise the
great Increase of men he is expected
10 ask. There are 100000 mehn in
Glass 1. Informal conversations at
military committee meetings have
favored raising the eligible ages
nalfnu with de-
pendents-
A complete report on the situation
in France and recommendations for
legislation to meet new demands
for American aid at the front will
be laid before the House Military
Affairs Committee by Secretary
Baker.
Preparation of this report and Of
the information which he will lay
before the President, was begun
by Secretary Baker last night.
Within three hours after his ar
rival in Washington from his six
weeks tour of inspection in Europe.
secretary Baker was closeted with
Mai. Gen. Peyton c, March, acting
chief of staff At a late hour the
conferences was still in progress and
attaches from Mr.. Bakers Office let
IL be understood that he was pre-
nared to spend the entire night going
over the situation with Gen. March.
To See President.
The Secretary will see President
Wilson today.
During the brief time that the
Secretary was with his wife and
children at his home this evening. the
President called him on the telephone
and warmly welcomed him back.
secretary Baker was warmly greet
"a al the railroad station by a num-
her OF his friends and by his family.
He appeared in the best of health and
although he indicated that his visit
abroad had been of absorbing inter-
est he was anxious to get back to
his desk in the War Department.
Kids Are There.
IA Mr.. Baker stepped from the train
he was greeted by his wife and two
I;ttIe children, who were wildly ex-
cited by his return. yet remembered
10 ask him IL he had brought them
ANYTHING The Secretary laughed
ana promised them that he had
brought back something"
Mr. Baker. It Is understood. will
give to the President q detained ac-
count of the strength Of the forces
now waging the great battle OF the
war. Many facts relative to the part
which the navy must be ready to
take will also be laid before the
President and Secretary Daniels.
Conferences between Mr.. Baker and
the British leaders, during Mr..
Bakers visit to London. also will play
a most important part in the war
pIans Of the United States.
The curiosity of the Seeretary's
children as to the gifts which he
brought them was quickly satisfied.
r'hey consisted, when laid out on the
family dining table. of squadrons
rDon squadrons Of lead soldiers re-
presenting every army lined up on
CONTINUED ON PAGE Two.