Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-02-16

hlSSlolS SOHluS are
Is in Tactics-Somc Weapons AL
ready Discarded.
Secretary Of War Baker told the
country yesterday that there Will be
100000 fighting men in France early
i'll 1918. He made the still more sig
niGicant announcement that duBing
the present year upward of 1,500,0 600
United States soldiers will be on the
soil of France thoroughly equipped
to do their full share III the great
world war. These troops will come
from the 32 camps of the national
guard and new national army, which
have been under constant training
since last September.
GERMANS GUESSING FOR MONTHS
Secretary Baker also told the mill
tary committee that so early rs last
August there were at least 100000
men in France. He declined Cor
military reasons to say just how
many arc there at this moment, but
added that recent and reliable i'm
formation from the Intelligence de
Germany had absolutely no idea Of
partments Of tho allies proved that
tho number Of American troops now
in France behind the lines. Germany
is guessing and has been guessing for
months.
ANSWERS SENATOR
CHAMBERLAIN
1t was the recent speech of Chair
man Chamberlain Of the military com
mittee charging that the War De-
partmcnt had "fallen down." that
brought the head Of the War Depart
mcnt again before that committee for
tho purpose OF enlightening 1t and
the country as to the enormous eX-
tent of the work done and the big
things accomplished.
Mr.. Baker spoke for practically four
hours, referring now and then to
notes but dealing with his subject,
in tho main, in an eXtemporaneous
fashion. That he had his subject at
his fingers ends was apparent.
Many who heard him yesterday,
members of tho Senate, said that
IL the Secretary had been equally
frank on his previous appearance be
fore the committee he would have
relieved himself from much of the
criticism aimed at the conduct Of the
War Department..
One OF tho most noticeable features
Of the hearing yesterday was the
changed manner OF the Secretary.
He was condiliatory, affablc and seem
ed to seek the cooperation of the com
mittee. i
OFFERS HIS COOPERATION.
On the occasions OF his first appear
ancc, members Of the committee were
irritated at what they interpreted III
his attitude as resentment to the 1dea
that the work of the departmeM
should be criticized and he, himself
subjected to questioning.
The Secretary seemed to reall2e
this for Yesterday he emphasized the
fact that he had intended to be frank
but despite this desire he seemed ITO
have left the feeling that I was fenc
ing in defense Of some OF my subordi
mates"
Mr.. Baker denied any such intention
and said when he concluded, II there
was anything else the committee dc
sired to investigate he would do
every thing possible within his pow
er to assist without fear or favor
and to affect any Improvement.
"TREMENDOUS RESPONSE
BILITYr MET.
The Secretary made his statement
yesterday practically without inter
ruDtion, as he had requested. His
announcement concerning the move
mont IF trOOps to France came as the
climax to a day Of explanations, In
which some shortcomings were ad
mitted, but the claim put forth gen
orally that the War Department mad
made tremendous response to
tremendous responsibility
Mr.. Baker preferred to rest before
answering questions. The committee
today will hear experts on aviation
and other technical matters and MI.
Baker will be requested ITO return
them.
It was toward the close Of the after
noon, when Mr.. Baker, who had been
speaking earnestly, leaned across the
table and began In almost Il cGnver
sational tone to tell the story the
German general staff probably would
have given much to know some time
ago. He approached the subject by
departing from his answer to criti
cism and referring to 1t as "the plan
for the war;"
ANNOUNCES GENERAL PLAN
IT think I understood Senator
Chamberlain felb there wasn't any