The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-04-03
WILSON'S HAND
SEEN IN MOVES
ON WEST FRONT
Officials Believe He Sent
Baker to Unity Forces as
Well as Command.
TIMELY AID FOR ALLIES
Gives Them Benefit of Amer
ica's Man Power Earlie4'
Than Was Expected.

WAsaISGToN. Aoril 2.--While the bat
Ito in PiCardy ta'ted to-day IN iull
that may only fo"eshadow the breaking
or new and more terrible storm, Amer
lean troops were Fastening TO join In
the fray with their French and British
comrades.
Formal announcement from London
that these units would be merged with
the allied war machines indicated 10 Of
fcials that losses Of the Allies would bo
Immediately made good with vigorous
young Americans. keen for the battle.
and the stage set without delay not only
for a counter offensive. but for aggres-
sive warfare without pause until the
German invader shall not only be
checked. but hurled back to ultimate
military defeat.
No explanation OF the announce ment
from London was made to-day at the
War Department. Probably not more
than very few of the highest officials
knew precisely what method Is to be
adopted TO rush additional forces to
France.
WiIson's lnnuence seen.
Reviewing the meagre informa ion
things that have been accomplis he'd
since the German drive began, many
of',cials were convinced tonight that
Mr.. Baker had been sent to Europe by
President Wilson tor the purpose OF
bringing about just the amalgamat ion
OF forces that has been effected In
urging single command for the whole
battle front in the west IT was regarded
as certain tina: the American Secretary
would not have gore empty handed to
the conferences
The strength OF the American army
actually in France was not sufficient to
warrant more than plea for ne
measures to meet the German onrush.
With the whole man power OF the
United States made Immediately avail
able to play its part in the ranks OF the
allied armies as well as in the purely
American forces. however. Il was ar
gued tina, Mr.. Baker could speak with
CO ',peiling force.
Whatever >may have been the original
purpose Of the Secretary's mission the
conplete unification Of Gerinany's three
most powerful enemies has been accom-
plished. The effect. II Ia believed. will
be seen soon al the battle front
bakers Training Plans Recalled.
Europe he had under consideration new
plans Tor establishing American training
centres with the British forces as well
az with the French No determine ton
Lad been reached. he said. JUS; before
ne left, The plan at that time, however.
contemplated only ira ming in order 20
hasten the sr"ival in France OF Amer.-
can forces in sufficient numbers 10 in
fluence The war deeisvely.
The actual plan adopted apparently
- an outgrowth OF his proposal, but il
is far more iGGifcant. for II contem-
plates no, only training hut actual oper-
ations in battle Of combined British
American and French American forces in
addition to Gen. Peishings own army.
The upbuiiding OF which is to be pressed
forward with every u'senoS
OF the showing American troops row
in this country will make a; the front.
British and French officers here who
have studied the cantonments and the
men probably are the hest judges. They
agree that the American soldier who
has had from sixty 20 ninety days in
stiucton here is fully ready TO go to the
front. provided he is surrounded with
Veteran troops They have been deeply
impressed by ,he intelligence and quick
perception of the Americans