The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-03-20
VISITS FIRST
LINE TRENCH
ASARTLLERY
DUEL RACES
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route to the trenches housed Ameri-
Ran reKimental officers. 1t was the
most utterly demolished Of any visit
ed. The officers lived in stone skele-
tons that were once houses. Shells
fall on the villages with great fire.
au0ncy. Every one of its Inhabitants
s. constantly tin hated and gas
enasked.
The road to the village winds through
The open country. exposed to enemy ire
While Baker was In the trenches allied
aIrplanes wheeled overhead despite
heavy IRE from Boche anti-aircraft
guns.
wears dT1n, Hats.
When Baker entered the Srenches
: he wore n khaki coat, raincoat, and
tin hat, and carried a gas mask. Pre-
viously, he had taken q gas mask
Grill.
He chatted with the men, frequently
Asking what part Of Ohio are you
from?"
\ Some Of the men recognized the
Secretary OF War and drew up stiffiy
ri attention.
Baker asked the men how things
were going and how they were being
treated. The general opinion was
that everything was quiet Some
Roche shells passed overhead and the
Secretary inquired what size they
were.
10 your relatives. scattered
Through the States, 1 will send a mes
cage telling them that you are we'll
fed and do not lack the supplies and
attentions which safeguard your
health" he said.
you communities and nation will
be proud OF your good conduct and
clean living, which go with clean, hard
Sighting. and the principles for which
you fight
A soldier dropped a hammer in the
mud. Baker picked il up. The SOL
der demonstrated. but Baker said he
Was afraid 1t would be lost.
A listening post sentry bashfully
assured the Secretary that ''the Amer
leans shoot better than the Boches."
Bsrrage Avoided.
When Baker arrived at a certain
brigade headquarters, seven batteries
nearby were being shelled. There
were frequent explosions as the enemy
shells struck in the vicinity.
There was some delay in starting
while q route 10 the trenches was
being picked to avoid traversing the
German bsrrage.
As Baker passed, a shell burst near
MS automobile. He inquired whether
anyone was hurt When he was as
sured there were no casualties his
automobile was speeded up to carry
him out OF the danger zone.
The party passed American guns
that were in action, while machine
gun bullets whistled overhead.
Returning to the rear, the Secretary
visited men who were billeted in n
barn. He clambered up a ladder to
the hay loft and asked about the
mems health.
one OF them replied that he had the
grippe.
You've certainly had a grip on
Germany" Baker replied.
The colonel presented to Baker the
helmet OF O German lieutenant cap
tHred in a raid. The Secretary ac-
espted it but later said he was going
- give II 70 the coloners mother.
HoAOrs Z. s. Dead.
Baker stood with head uncovered
by a roadside cemetery where half a
dozen New York soldiers are buried,
while the mlItary burial OF another
was in progress. He remained un-
covered. In silent tribute to the dead,
throughout the service
While visiting a hospital where
there are several gas victims under
going treatment. Baker talked with
n wounded officer who had been dec
GRATED with the French Croix de
GUerre.
rive got q war cross, but can't
wear it." he told Baker.
As Secretary Of War, I give you
authority 70 wear IT," was the reply. |
While en- route to the trenches,
Baker had inspected a detachment of
infantry that was drawn up in a viii 1
iaGs street The first rays OF the sun
were Just streaking the sky when the !
American troops smartly presented |
arms.
Baker addressed them briefly and |
later visited q French division COM I
mander who complimented the Amer
Jean soldiers.
A frequent remark OF Bakers as he !
met groups Of soldiers during his in |
apsction trip was:
you're q goOd-looking bunch-full |
OF pepper"