Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-03-21
Secretary Baker Reviews Bri-
gade in Action and Com
pliments Officers
PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
First Division to Arrive in
France Wins High Praise
From War Chief

quarters and included review or
one brigade of the First Division,
which he addressed as representa-
tive of the whole Army. The Secre-
tary also visited the birthplace of
Jeanne Dare and made an incidental
inspection of the troops here and
there over the route which he ira
versed. Tonight the Secretary de-
parted to fulfill other aspects of his
visit to France.
Reviewed From Plateau
The brigade of the First Division
was reviewed from stage on high
plateau commanding a wide pano-
rama of one of the most scenically
beautiful parts of France. 1t is
reached by a steep winding road
from the valley below. A twenty
hours rain had made it inacces-
sible by motor, so the Secretary and
his party made the ascent on foot,
slipping and sliding on the grassy
mud.
Just as they arrived at the stand
General Pershing and his personal
staff came across the field and dis
mounted. The entire party then join
ed the waiting division and brigade
generals and their staffs.
A cold March wind and occasional
squalls of rain made the scene more
impressive as the brigade, in full
marching equipment swept by in
company in front, each saluting like
clockwork while bands played music
which swelled and softened in the
gusty wind. Secretary Baker lifted
his hat to each regimental flag as it
was lowered in salute and occasional
ly spoke to General Pershing, who
stood beside him.
First in France
This brigade from the First Divi-
sion to put foot in France was COM
posed of men seasoned in training
under summer and winter skies and
enured to mud and cold under all
conditions of campaigning. They
were the first in the trenches and the
first to suffer casualties. Under the
weight of full field equipment from
trench tools to- extra tools, steel
helmets, tanned and fit, the soldiers
stepped swingingly through the
sticky mud that was almost too much
for the mules who drew the one
Founders and the wheeled kitchens.
Presented to Secretary
1t was the first time that an en-
tire brigade which had been in ac-
ton had been reviewed and the Sec
retary complimented the general
commanding and the colonels of the
various units. When the review was
concluded the brigade and commits
circle and were presented in body
to the War Secretary by General
Pershing in q brief address in which
he complimented their record of fit
ness and efficiency.
Secretary Baker, with barred head
in the cold wind, told the officers
they were typical American officers
and said they were "the point of the
wedge of the Army which the whole
nrfa to, 1,-;xr ,y,tz -
ranks of their adversary" The off,
GERS then formed in line and each
shook hands with the Secretary as
his name was announced. The Sec
retary acknowledged each greeting
and when some acquaintance ap-
preached, he added a peI--nal word
or two.
General Pershing showed gratihca-
tion at the splendid condition and ap-
pearance of the brigade, and re-
marked:
These men have been there and
know what it is. You can tell that
ty the way they throw out their
chests as they swing by"
When the review was over the
brigade disbanded into units and
marched back to the camps. Secre-
tary Baker. General Pershing and his
staff and the other generals trudged
the waiting motorcars.
Secretary Bakers day was a full
one, as he covered several hundred
kilometers in his automobile Early
in the morning he drove to the Ver-
dun region to spot from which
Fort Douamont was visible. He saw
the activities behind the French lines
and long artillery wagontrain and
marching troops.
On the way the Secretary stopped
wherever American troops were bill
leted, the organizations turning out
for inspection. The soldiers were
questioned regarding details of food
i. billets and equipment and the Sec
retary often went into the billets to
SSet personal impression. The only
complaint registered was about a
CANT food ration, which was found
be due to the temporary change
the stations of the units affected
&e the Secretary's party met q
cling kitchen. The Secretary left
ltomobile and had a taste of the
and food. His comment was:
Lgood."
ench Compliment Troops
the day Secretary Baker
he French divisional COM
Gho complimented the Amer
3, saying he had called the
4 his men to the eXpedi-
pappy way the Americans
assemble their artillery.
Z. finding himsef in the
certain unit. the Sec
fellow Ohioan, Car
{ Cleveland, a private
sorps and a son of
] After brief talk,
tographed together.
premy, the home of