Evening star., 1918-04-16
Secretary BAKER
BACK FROM EUROPE
Arrives at Atlantic Port After
Six-Week Visit to War
Fronts.
TO MAKE BROAD REVIEW

BY the Associated Press.
AN ATLANTIC PORT, April 16.-New-
ton D. Baker, Secretary of War, re-
turned to America today, after journey
to Europe impelled by his desire to
confer with British, French and Italian
military and political leaders regarding
his own country's cooperation in the
war against Germany, and by his wish
also to become intimately acquainted
with the American troops under arms in
France. On this unprecedented mission
the Secretary was out of the country
about six weeks.
II 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.
Promises Review Later.
This was the only statement the Sec
retary said he cared to make until MS
return to Washington. where he prom
ised 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 feeling
when they said that there was complete
optimism and confidence among the
peoples of the entente nations thae tne
war would be won.
Apparently In perfect physical trim,
with color in his cheeks and eager TO
plunge into his duties at washington,
the Secretary stepped ashore. at s:5o
a ship which once sailed the seas as
German merchantmen. HIS trip from
Europe had been undisturbed by any
submarine which might have lurked In
ocean lanes. The weather had been
ideal, the voyage a beautiful one. Mr..
Baker said.
Members of secretary's Party.
Accompanying. the Secretary were
Maj. Gen. w. NJ. Black. chief OF engi-
neers. U. 8. A.; Col NJ. l. Brett. ord
nance department. q. S. A.. and Ralph
Hayes, Mr.. Bakers private secretary.
Questions asked Of the Secretary by
Newspaper men remained unanswered.
mot a word" he said. In reply to
Irish situation, aircraft production and
the appeal of Arthur J. Balfour, the
British foreign secretary for the United
States. to hurry troops TO Franco. "All
can say Is what have given you,"
the Secretary added.
Mr. Baker, nrst learned today of the
death OF Senator Stone OF Missouri. Il
must express my deep regret" he said.
Left q. s. Six Weeks Ago.
: The Secretary left American shores about
six weeks ago. arriving at French
port March 10, At Paris he conferred
secretary. and Gen. Foch of the French
army. The great engineering feats
which Americans have accomplished to
accommodate the accommodating arrival
OF American soldiers in France were in
spected by the Secretary.
He toured the American lines Of COM
munication, at one point narrowly es-
Gaping injury from German shell. He
visited the Belgian front and met King
and was received by King George and
visited Premier Lloyd George and
American Ambassador Page.
Returning to France. Mr.. Baker con-
ferred with Gen. Pershing at American
headquarters. approving the American
commanders action in placing his
troops at the unqualified disposal Of
Gen. Foch.
. Saw Air Raid Ruins in Venice.
Early this month Mr.. Baker went to
Venice, inspecting the ruins caused by
Teuton air raids; visited Italian army
headquarters and was welcomed at
Rome by the American am ba ssador and
the Italian officials. He conferred with
Premier Orlando and the foreign and
war ministers. Returning to Paris on
April 4. he attended the ceremony held
in celebration Of the anniversary of
Americas entering the war. He was
received by Premier Clemenceau
The Secretary's departure for Amer
lea was shrouded in the same secrecy
as that which attended his embarka-
ton when he left for Europe and until
his arrival here today nothing had