The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-04-16
BAKER
ARRIVES SAFELY
AMERICAN PORT
JOYFUL AND CONFIDENT AS
TO FINAL OUTCOME OF
THE GREAT WAR.
GOES TO WASHING GTON
Comes Across on One of the Large
Steamers Which Flew German
Flag Before America Began War
on the Despicable Hun.

-
on the Despicable Hun.
An Atlantic Port, April 10
Newton ID. Baker, secretary OF war,
returned to. America today after a
sojourn to Europe impelIed by his
desire to confer with British,
French and Italian military and po-
ltical leaders regarding his own
country's cooperation in the war
against Germany and by his wish
also to become intimately acquaint-
ed with the American troops under
arms in France On this unprece-
centcd mission, the secretary was.
out OF the country six weeks.
"T return with a sense of pride
and confidence at the achievements
of the United States and allied
troops abroad that would justify
many trips across the water" the
secretary said, as he stepped aboard
a train which will take him to
Washington
His Only Statement
This was the only statement the
secretary said ne cared to make un-
til his return to Washington, where
he promised a broad review of his
voyage and its results.
Those who returned with the
secretary said they did not doubt
that they reflected Mr.. Bakers feel
ing when they said that there was
complete optimism and confidence
among the peoples of the entente
nations that the war would be won
by them.
Apparently in perfect physical
trim, with color in his checks, and
eager to plunge into his duties at
Washington, the secretary stepped
ashore at $50 o'clock this morning
from the deck of a large ship which
once sailed the seas as German
merchantmen. His trip from Eu-
rope had been undisturbed by any
submarines which might have lurk-
ed in ocean lanes. The weather had
been ideal, the voyage a joyful one,
Mr.. Baker said.
Personnel of Party.
Accompanying the secretary were
Major General w. NJ. Black, chief
of engineers, L, S. A.; Colonel NJ.
L. Breet, ordnance department, U.
5. A, and Ralph Hayes, Mr.. Bakers
private secretary.
Questions asked of the secretary
by newspaper men remained unan-
swercd.
Not a word ne said. in reply to
queries as to his opinion regarding
the Irish situation, air craft pro-
duction, and the appeal of Arthur
!. Balfour the British foreign sec
rctary, for the United States to hur-
ry troops to France "All l can
say is what / have given YOU" the
secretary added.
Mr.. Baker first learned today OF
the death Of Senator Stone of Mis-
sour. 81 must express my deep re-
greet he said
The secretary left American
shores about six weeks ago, arriv-
ing at a French port March 10. At
Paris, he conferred with Arthur J.
Balfour, British foreign secretary,
and General Foch OF the French
army.
The great engineering feats which
Americans have accomplished to
accommodate the accumulating ar
rival OF American soldiers in France
were inspected by the secretary.
Has Narrow Escape.
He toured the American lines of
communication, at one point, mar
rowIy escaping injury from Ger
man she'll
He visited the Belgian front and
met King Albert Of Belgium, went
to London and was received by
King George and visited Premier
/ Lloyd George and American Am
bassador Page.
Returning to France, Mr.. Baker
conferred with General Pershing at
American headquarters, approving
the American commanders action
in placing his troops at the unquali-
fled disposal of General Foch.
Early this month, Mr.. Baker went
to Venice, inspecting the ruins
caused by the Teutonic air raids;
visited Italian army headquarters,
and was welcomed at Rome by the
American ambassador and Italian
officials.
Secretary Baker at Paris Celebration
Returning to Paris on April 4,
Secretary Baker attended the cere-
mony held in celebration of the an
liversary of Americas entering the
war. He was received by Premier
Clemenceau.
The secretary's departure for
America was shrouded in the same
secrecy as that which attended his
embarkation when he left for Eu-
rope, and until his arrival here to-
l.. L