Norwich bulletin., 1918-07-03

/ |' - ~0' T R Washington, July 2. - American troops sent overseas numbered 1,-' 0ls,115 On July 1. This was made known tonight by President Wilson, who gave to the Public a letter from Secretary Ba- ker disclosing a record of achieve ment which the president said must cause universal satisfaction" and which will give additional zest to our national celebration of the Fourth C. July"
 First Contingent Sailed May 8, 1917. The first units-non-c -combatant- left American shores on May 8, 1917. General Pershing followed twelve days later and at the end of the month ITS men had started for the fsttlehelds of France. June saw this number increase by 12,261 and there after khski-clad crusaders" from the western republic flowed overseas in steady stream until upwards of 100000 had departed when the great German thrust began last March.
 sS7,s2e Men in Three Months. President Wilson's determination to meet Germany's supreme effort with stAfN Ol lNt dNdlIGUlG man power to assist the desperately resisting French and British armies Is sharply reflected in the movement Of troops during the last three onths. The March sailings of S3,S11 were increased in April to 117212. May saw another 244,S45 men embark and last month 276.372 were sent away, making a total for the three months of 637. .929. This, Secretary rf4t trnr- caF ha six months ahead of the original pro- gramme. ...-.44.-4-.---.-.sa substantially thirty divisions are TOW in France ready to meet what ever move the German general staff has in preparation. Some of these divisions already have been formed into the First Field Army, under Ma jor General Lggett, others are hold ing trench sectors at important points along the battle line and still others have been broken up and brigaded with the French and British troops. And so when the German thrust comes, the Americans will be called upon to play no small part in meet ing it.
 Secretary Baker wrote the president that the supplies an dequipment in France for the million men who have gone Is shown by latest reports to be hltludle anu duUeQ tHaI the output of our war industries in this country is showing marked improvement in practically all lines of necessary equipment and supply"
 The presidents statement with the letter from Secretary Baker and his reply follow:
 President Wilson's Statement.
 T have toda received the follow ing letter from the secretary of wal which seems 10 me to contain infor- mation which will be so satisfactory to the country that its publication wi!l be welcomed and will give addi- tional zest to our national celebration of the Fourth of July:
 War Department,
 Washington. July 1, 1918 My Dear Mir. President: More than one million American soldier have sailed from the ports in thi country to participate in the war il Trance In reporting this fact to you feel that you will be interested in few data showing the progress of ou overseas military effort.
 "'The first ship carrying militar personnel sailed May 8, 1917, havin on board Base Hospital Number and members of the reserve nurse corps.
 General Pershing and his stat sailed on May 20. 1917 The em barkations in the months from Ma, 1917. to and including June, 1918. ar as follows:
 "'ls17-May 1,71S, June 12,261: Jul 12.sSs; August 1s,323; September g 523; October 38259; November 23 0ls: December 4S,840.
 1s1s-January 46T76 Februar 5sO27; March S3,s11: April 117,21. Nay 244,345; June 276,372.
 Marines 14,644
 'Aggregating 1t019, ,115. "'The total number of troops rt turned from abroad, lost at sea ar casualties IS S165, and of these, l reason of the superbly efficient pro lection which the navy has given ol transport system, only 291 have boo lost at sea
 The supplies and equipment France for all troops sent is, by ol latest reports, adequate and the ou l'ut of our war industries in this coul try is showing marked improveme in practically all lines of necessa equipment and supply.
 Respectfully yours,
 NEWTON D. BAKER, TO which I replied:-
 "'The White House,
 Washington, July 2, 1918.
 My Dear MT. Secretary:-Yo ir..er of July first contains a ve s'Tn'fcant piece of news and eruery significant report of the fc '-G-rr of troops during the Da year 10 tr0 "''ar "if"
 I. IS IL C9lse UT -' @a.-g- C,.Un DeC-u heart of the country is unque nably in this war and the peol C the United States rejoice to $
 air force put faster and faster 1T the great struggle which is destin 10 redeem the world.
 "'Cordialiv and sincerely yours,
 WOODROW WILCON "qIon Newton D. P1Eer.
 "'Secret1ry Of War;"