The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-02-21
ALIENS CHARGES
 DENIED BY RAUB
Commander of 35th Division Declares None of Men Needlessly Sacrificed-Is
 Proud of Troops Who Licked Germany's Best
By Associated Press

Washington, February 20. A dramatic recital of the fight ing of the Thirty fifth (kansas and Missouri national guard) division in the great battle of the Argonne was given the House rules committee today by Maj. Gen. Peter E. Traub, the division commander, who himself was twice gassed in the course of the battle.
 Appearing to deny charges of the need less sacrifice of men made hy Governor Allen of Kansas, General Traub described with great pride the work of his troops from the misty September morning when they went over the top until they had driven the Germans back nearly six miles after six days and nights of almost in- cessant fighting over the most strongly fortified section of the western front
 Fresh from France, the general still was suffering from the effects of gas, his two experiences in the Argonne be- ing his fifth in the war, and he frequent ly had to interrupt his recital to drink water. At times his voice failed him all most entirely, but suggestions of mem- be IFS of the committee that he delay his testimony were met with instant refusal When his voice refused to give emphasis to his words he pounded the table beside him to further drive home his praise of the soldiers it was his "honor to com mand
 ADVANCE FIVE MILES
 For six days and nights" said the general, i've fought the best the boche had. We penetrated the lines for five and a half miles, took 1000 prisoners and captured 24 pieces of field artillery and f5 machine guns. We fought in the open and we lost 300 killed and b0o wounded, the great majority of the latter being hurt but slightly. Never was there a finer body of men than those had the honor to command. They were a won derful lot, who only asked to know what was wanted and they did it and did 1t W ell"
 General Traub told the committee that the first task of his men after jump ing off' was the capture of hill. which had everything in the way of defense which the Germans could build, and one that the French had been up against for four years" The Thrty-fifth. tho general said, took this strongly fortified position in three hours after vicious hand to- hand fighting.
 GIVEN BEST CARE The wounded received the best of care and the first consideration, General Traub told the eonrmittee, iJes said .the 7lp0- wcunded passing through the field sta tion of the Thirty-fifth were hurried to the rear by mpressing into service every truck of every description, but because , of the ''devilish fire of the Germans they could be moved only at night. One main road served the whole army corps and at one time it required IS hours to build a road around a crater caused by German shell. and ten days to bridge it.
 Airplanes appeared on call and flew over the German lines. the general said. Shortage of horses was admitted, but the officer declared there was always artillery support. Only a half dozen shells from the American artillery fell in it's lines, but in this connection the general asked to be permitted to refrain from comment on French divisions | 4 --.-- L.. L