Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-03-21
BAKER ENDS
HIS TOUR OF
BATTLE Line
Secretary Of War Con-
cludes Inspection of
u. S. Front in France.

With the American Army In
France, Wednesday, March 20
(By the Associated Press. Sec
retary of War Baker today con-
cluded his visit of inspection to the
American military zones in France
with a trip which took him from
the Verdun sector to great head
quarters and included a review OF
one brigade of the first division
which he addressed as representa-
tive of the whole army. The secre-
tary also visited the birthplace OF
Joan of Arc and made an incidental
inspection of the troops here and
there over the route which he ira
versad. Tonight the secretary de-
parted 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
panorama of one of the most seen
ically beautiful parts of France. 1t
IS reached by steep winding road
from the valley below. A 20 hours
rain had made it inaccessible by
motor, so the secretary and his
party made the ascent on foot, slip
ping and sliding on the grassy 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
Joined the waiting division and
brigade generals and their staffs.
Is Impressive Scene.
A cold March wind and occas-
ional squalls of rain made the
scene more impressive as the bri-
gade, in full marching equipment
swept by at company front, each
saluting like clockwork while
bands played music which swelled
and softened in the gusty wind.
Secretary Baker lifted his hat to
each regimental flag as it was low
cred in salute and occasionally
spoke to General Pershing who
stood beside him.
This brigade from the first di-
vision to put foot in France was
composed of men seasoned in
training under summer and win
ter skies and enured to mud and
cold under all conditions of cam
paigning. They were first in the
trenches and the first to suffer cas-
ualties. Under the weight of full
field equipment, from trench tools
to extra tools, stell helmeted, tan
ned and fit, the soldiers stepped
swinging through the sticky mud
which was almost too much for the
mules who drew the one Founders
hA 1t.
Compliments Men.
1t was the first time that an en-
tire brigade which had been in ac-
ton, had been reviewed and the
secretary complimented the general
commanding and the colonels Of the
various Units. When the review was
concluded the brigade and COM
missioned officers assembled in
semi-circle and were presented in
body to the war secretary by
General Pershing in a brief ad-
dress in which he complimented
their record of fitness and eff.
cheney.
Secretary Baker, with barred head
in the cold wind, told the officers
they were typical American sol
diers 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 officers then formed in line and
each shook hands with the secre-
tary as his name was Sahounced.
The secretary acknowledged each
greeting and when some acquaint-
ance approached. he added a per-
sonal word or two.
General Pershing showed gratifi-
CONTINUED On Page Seven)