The evening world., 1918-03-20
u. s. TROOPS TRY TO BEAT GERMA rs AT OWN GAS A.

ohioan, how proud you have been to
be worthy Of Ohio.
The citizen OF any other State
would find himself equally at homo
in some other group Of this division.
The State is proud to be partly re-
sponsible for the discipline Of that
group.
you will fight best and serve best
by being first an American. without
diminution OF loyalty to your state
and community.
ALTHOUGH you have come $500
miles 10 the battle-ground Of
France, you too are fighting for
home, for family. for all you
value as men, and for future asn.
sratlons-Gn a conflict whose in.
husness no part Of the world can
resist, and whose results concern
every human BEING In the world.
''You are uniting the East, the
West. the North and the South.
MANY INTERESTING INCIDENTS
CONNECTED WITH THE TRIP.
There were many interesting incl
dents during the Secrctary's visit TO
the trenches. The entire sector was
lively with breaking shrapnel
There were only four In the party
Baker. n division general, n major
from the press section and a guide
The other members OF the party
were extremely nervous regarding
Bakers welfare, but he was obvious
~ cool.
Entering the communication
trenches, they wero stopped by a
sentry.
The general stepped forward and
announced:
The Secretary OF War"
"Yes. siri Yes. sir" stammered the
sentry. and snapped his rifle to salute.
TALKS WITH SOLDIERS FRoM
HIS HOME STATE.
He saw and recognized Ohio men.
OF others he asked; what part Of
Ohio are you fromr'
Some OF the men recognized the
Secretary OF war and drew up stiffly
at attention.
Baker asked tho men how things
were going and how they were feel
ing. The unanimous opinion was that
everything was "quIet"
Some German shells passed over
head and the Secretary inquired what
sise they were.
A soldier dropped a hammer In tho
mud. Baker picked It up. The
soldier remonstrated. but Baker said
he was afraid It would be lost.
A listening post sentry bashfulIy
assured the Secretary that tho Amer
scans khoot better than tho Germans"
You've certainly had a grip on
Germany" Baker replied.
The colonel presented TO Baker the
helmet OF q German lieutenant oap-
turcd In a raid. The Secretary nc.
cepted It. but later said no was xoinR
70 give II TO the colonel'B mother.
Baker stood with head uncovered nv
roadside cemetery where half n
dozen New York soldiers are buried
while tho military funeral OF another
was In progress He remained uncov-
cred In silent tribute 10 the dead
throughout the service.
OWES SOLDIER RIGHT TO WEAR
FRENCH WAR cross.
While Visiting a hospital where
there are several gas Victims under.
going treatment. Baker talked with
a wounded officer who had been
decorated with the French war cross
"rve got a war cross but can't
wear IT," he told Baker
"As Secretary OF War I give YOU
authority TO wear g." was the reply
While en- route 20 the trenches,
Baker had inspected a detach ment OF
infantry that was drawn UP In a vii
lago street. The first rays OF the
sun were just streaking the sky when
the American troops smartIy pre-
sented arms.
Baker addressed them briefly and
later visited French divisional COM
mander, who complimented the
American soldiers.
A frequent remark OF Bakers as hS
met groups OF soldiers during his In.
spection trip was:
you're IA good looking bunch--tnl
OF pepperl"
Tho Secretary called on Capt
Archie Roosevelt al the hospital
stood at the young officers cot and
chatted for some time. praising hi,
gallantry. He also talked with othel
wounded officers.
rnIln nlc lTTAnvc