Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-04-17
::CRETARY BAKER
ETURNS, READY TO
|USH MEN OVER SEA
III Concentrate Every
Energy on Expediting
Troop Movement.
LIEVES POOLING OF ALL
RESOURCES THWARTS HUN
alses the Achievements Of the
United States and
Allies.
'ITED ALL BATTLE FRONTS
IDS In Franco as Plain American
Soldier to Note Treatment
Boys Receive There.
LlEVES POOLING OF ALL
RESOURCES THWARTS HUN
'ITED ALL BATTLE FRONTS
IDS In Franco rs Plain American
Soldier to Note Treatment
Boys Receive There.

fISy hssoe!a.d P.,.sl
'ASHINGToN. Apri! l6.-Stcc!ed 20
work ahead OF him b. persona!
'wcdse Of conditions at the battle
nta IN Europe. Secretary Baker re-
ned to his desk "a; the war De-
,mcnt tonight from his trip abroad,
pared 10 concentrate every energy
oxpcd.,!ns the movement OF Amer
fighting mon 20 France.
nc War Secretary. it is understood.
not !Hciincd 10 underestimate the
II that further German Successes in
present terrific onslaught, agains;
allied linc might involve There
no doubt. however. that lac believes
Guate measures 20 chcckniate the
man enor, will come out OF thc
ling Of all allied and American re-
-ccs under command OF General
n. the impressive French com
nGcr iH-ch,ct.
N his arrival early to-day al an
aniic port. Mr.. Baker authorized
) statements:
return with sense o: pride and con
nee at the achievements OF the
s,cd Statcs' and allied troops abroad
would justify many trips across
water
Whatever direct Information the War
rotary may have as to the plans O,
lncral loch will DC for the cars OF
ssidcnt Wilson alone.
here have been many reports that
| Baker went 10 Europe for tho
pose of urging uninca,ion o, all
cd a.mics under single com
ndcr, lie had no common, TO make
this point.
'he prompt action o. General FER
ne In placing his mon at General
lch's disposal IL known to have me,
h Mr.. Bakers hearty approval!
yEH.AL TIMES UNDER
FIRE VISITING TRENCHES
During his trip Mr.. Baker visited
gland. France and Italy, and saw
J. battle fronts all along the line.
has been IN the American front
|e trenches under nrc; once a Ger
II shell exploded close TO his auto
bile. and on another occasion nc
'od IN tho window Of i battered
ld!nE behind tho allied line TO watch
;h-power missiles come howling To
|,r great cratcrs in held less than
hundred yards away.
when hc reached france the War
|frc,ary placed himself in the posi-
In OF an American soldier, JUS; ar
cd at the goal OF his ambition over
~ 10 a
,at preparations had been made for
!, care OF the men from tho time they
|-ivcd. lie knew what the govern
nj was preparing 10 do on this side,
Z OF tho great matters acrosg the
-tcr. he had only cold Official reports
the Inadequate descriptions OF re-
rning officers
beginning at tho dcbarkation ports,
+. Baker and his party. under the
idance Of General Pershings officers.
lowcd the life OF an American sol
:r in France step by step. until they
rived in an advanced listening post
front OF tho American lines.
The whole vast project OF American
erations Nas mapped out before the
cretary. II represents ono Of the
catest undertakings any nation has
or engaged in. and even to the man
der whose hands have passed all the
ans it was amazing because OF its
gncss and the thorough, workman
20 way in which General pcrsh:ns
I'd his officers are doing their grca,
b.
,TISTIED GENERAL. PERSIIING
Is MAN FOR Hlt. JOB
nfdcnt OF the capacity and judgment
General PcrshinG for tho great bur.
n of responsibility he is bearing.
10 American commander is said 10
developing and broadening even AS
c army he is building is expanding.
No doubt was LETT in the visitors
ind of the stimulus given French
irit by the arrival of American fight
& forces in France. Mr.. Baker was
ven repeated proof OF the amazing de-
zee OF comradcship that has sprung
!, between the American and French
lJicrs and the Americans and the
vii population among whom they
ove daily.
When lie left for Europe Mr.. Baker
II the war Department routine from
S mind. II Will take him some days
catch step fully with what has gone
rward in his absence. lie is expect
!, however, 10 face his problems with
new perspective, and officials here
,ticipate that the result will he shown
the nature of his decisions, for TO
man filled with the spirit OF the
my in France there is no room for
,tty obstacles or considerations in
@ job ahead.
Three Thousand Take Examination.
ANNAPOLIS. MD, April l6.-Thrce