The Washington herald., 1918-06-16
Nearing the Million Mark.

Last week Secretary of War Baker announced
that there were 100000 American soldiers in France.
Last night Gen. Peyton March, Chief of Staff,
announced that 100000 American troops either were
in France or on their way there.
Since the German drive started in the last week
of March fully 100000 American troops have been
landed on French soil. On that basis start little
computation your own account We have been
averaging the transportation OF I75,ooo troops to
France per month for three months. That average
movement is constantly being accelerated We
should pass the 100000 mark either by the first of
August or mid-August; the late fall or early win
ter should forces overseas nearing the
100000 mark.
Of course, it is not safe to generalize to
strike averages about overseas troop movements.
Already there is talk of reducing the brigading OF
American troops to a minimum, because the French
believe it would be wiser in the long run to main
tain the American army a separate entity, and
confident of their ability to hold the
Boche without further filling of gaps in the Franco
British line from the rapidly expanding American
But with every 100000 additional men
landed in France, the problem OF shipping and sup
plies increases in geometrical rather than arith-
metrical ratio, and for that reason it is hardly
reasonable to suppose that the present amazing
speed in the transport service be continued in
definitely.
However the entire logic of events points to
the conclusion that we will have an army OF be-
tween 100000 and 100000 in the fighting
line next spring and summer. Certainly, the for
figure is conservative, and the latter probable.
For the announcement was made last night that
the United States will have 100000 troops in
training within the next six weeks. Surely that is
sufficiently significant of the future to satisfy any
one. 1t will be in the late that the first
fruits of our gigantic shipbuilding program will
become visible Next year our output of tonnage
will amaze the world, and it is possible that the
figures forecast by Chairman Hurley, OF the Ship
ping Board, last week may be surpassed.
The handwriting the wall is clear to anyone,
certainly clear to the experts OF the German gen
cra staff. In few months-perhaps few weeks
timc-the numerical superiority of the German
army in the West is to be wiped out. The recent
offensive on the Noyon- -Montdidier front has de-
veloped into a complete failure. There is no ques
tion that the German high command will continue
its series OF hammering attacks for the next three
months if not longer, for the need of decision is
paramount; but, as we have stated before, that de-
csion is receding from view rather than approach
ing
The Americal General Staff is thinking not
merely in Of the present offensive but of the
year OF ahead-of the time when it
will be necessary for it to supply the punch to
crush German militarism. The situation will clear
rapidly after the failure of the German to gain a
decision this summer. Germany cannot much
longer conceal the truth from herself from the
world. 1t is within her power, doubtless, to fight
a defensive or losing fight for at least year
more, to contest every inch of gain with the
allied armies; but before that kind of military
struggle reaches an end, the deceived enraged and
broken people OF Germany will have been heard
from.