The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-07-12
BRITAIN Warned
AGAINST LETUP
General Maurice Thinks Fig
ureS of u, S, Misleading,
TAKES TIME TO TRAIN MEN
Bases Absorb Many; Supplies
Take Place Of Troops,
By Major General 2. B. Maurice.

BY Major General 2. B. Maurice.
(Copyrlght 1918 by tho New York Times
Chicago Trlbune-Dally okahoman
byndiCate.)
LONDON, July RI am a soldier
hnd IL is therefore OF Americas military
bid that wish TO speak We have had
most encouraging reports lately Of the
rate at which American soldiers are
pouring into France and ! have been
hold that America has already sent some
million OF her sons across the Atlantic
Nc know that many OF these American
soldiers are brigaded with our own
troops. a generous loan TO tide us over
Dur difficulties in finding men TO re
place the heavy losses we have suffered
lhis year. Naturally we are counting
much upon this help in the present
lime OF stress but it is important that
ne should not count too much and that
ne should take the same view Of what
IS possible. otherwise we shall fbe dis
hppointed and be tempted to think un-
ustly that our ally has failed US.
Bases Need Many Men.
First, as to numbers there is a great
bnd important difference between the
ko,al numbers OF an army and the mum
berS which can be actively employed
n fighting the enemy. The working
bases which receive and issue all the
multifarious requirements OF an army
bbsorb large numbers OF men. More
bill arc needed to maintain the regular
How OF these Requirements along the
lines of communications TO fighting AT
he front. Hospitals, schools OF in
btruction and training establishments
of all kinds make another large call.
30 that il must not he imagined that
khe total figures of the American
Strength in the west represent or nearly
represent the numbers which General
Pershing can throw into battle.
A Slow Process.
We know from General Pershing's
communques that the actual fighting
strength OF the American forces at the
front is steadily increasing and that
american soldiers have taken part in
the shock of a great modern battle with
glory 10 themselves and to the chagrin
of the enemy who has from the first
day Of the war undereStimated the pow
er OF free people to create and place
armies in the field. but our own expe
riencc teaches MS that this business OF
fitting new armies to take their part in
battle Is slow. Some Of our new divi-
pions did take noble part in the battle
cf Loos in September, 1915, but II was
aot until July, 1910. at the first battle
OF the Somme, that our new armies as
. whole received their real baptism OF
IRE.
America Has an Advantage.
America has. tits true, had the ad-
vantage OF being able 10 train her
troops behind trenches held by the al
hes who could give advantage of lis
Experience to the new levieS Against
Iris advantage must be set the disad.
vantzges OF war, the greater distances
from which American arnies have ID
come and the world shortage OF ship
ping, Shipping is indeed factor which
limits more than any other the dcvel-
opment of Americas strength in France
for time must come when all shipping
which America can lay her hands on
or can launch will he needed TO carry
scross the Atlantic the ammunition, ma
terial and food necessary for the main.
sensnce OF her armies in the field and
the drafts to replace the wastage OF bat.
lie and OF success. For these reason,
the development Of Americas fighting
strength can not be very rapid, and W,
must have patience, but this develop.
ment Is certain and its effect inevitable
Il Taking the Best.
America is picking for the field N,
BRINE Of her manhood at a time wher
1ii the other nations engaged in IN,
var have sent their youths and middle,
sged men to war. The effect OF the in
tervention OF fresh army composed o.
the picked wanhood of nation whici
ID not suffering from the staleness o.
four years of effort Rust be decisive