The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-04-23

the identity of which must be
preserved. This fundamental rule
is subject to such minor eXcep-
tons in particular circumstances
as your judgment may approve.
The decision as to when your
command, or any of its parts, is
ready for action is cOnfided to
you, and you will exercise full dis
erection in determining the manner
of cooperation. But, until the
forces of the United States are,
in your judgment, sufficiently
strong to warrant operations as
an Independent command, it is I'M
derstood that you will cooperate
as a component of whatever army
you may be assigned to by the
French government.
&c. You will keep the depart
ment fully advised Of all that con-
Germs your command and will COM
municate your recommendations
freely and directly to the depart
ment. And in general you are
vested with all necessary author
ity to carry on the war vigorous
ly in harmony with the spirit Of
these instructions and toward
victorious conclusion.
(SignedD
NEWTON D. BAKER"
Party Sails in Secrecy.
On the date of my sailing, May %,
1917, my party assembled at Cover
nor's island, New York. All had been
instructed to proceed with the utmost
secrecy, even wearing civilian clothes
until they we're aboard the steamship
Baltic
Although we ourselves stole silently
out through the fog and down the
bay, the large number of quartermas-
tiers and other officers stationed near
New York dashing around in uniform
rather ostentatiously that day really
amounted to an announcement some
thing out of the ordinary was happen
ing.
But it must be said to the credit of
the press representatives that they
were most discreet, as the papers gen.
orally published nothing about us un-
til we were in Europe.
During the voyage most Of my time
was spent in conference with the
heads Of staff departments regarding
their duties and plans. The study of
French was taken up by many officers,
and classes were in session at all
hours.
In the Danger Zone.
June 6 the Baltic began 20 zigzag
and we realized we were in the dan
ger zone. Next morning an escort of
two American destroyers gave us
something Of a thrill and fully re-
stored confidence. No submarines were
observed, however, and the weather
was perfect throughout the voyage.
We steamed into Liverpool June 8.
A cordial reception awaited us, with
guard of honor from the Royal
Welsh fusiliers. This selection had a
sentimental significance in that the
regiment not only fought against us
at Bunker Hill but fought beside us
during the RoXer rebellion in China.
AS we stepped off the gangplank the
band played "The Star-Spangled Ban
ner" to welcome US, this being the first
time in history that an American army
ever was received officially in England.
A royal coach attached to a special
train took our party to London. At
Euston station we were welcomed by
NV Of
war; Field Marshal Sir John French,
Gen. Lord Brooke, Walter Hines Page,
the American ambassador, Admiral
Williams S. Sims, and many other
British and American officials.
King George Not Optimistic.
was received by King George at
Buckingham palace June 9. His
majesty was in the uniform of a field
marshal and he talked with me in
democratic fashion for a few minutes
before the other senior members of
my staff were presented. The king
expressed his pleasure that America
had come into the war, and dwelt upon
the fact that Anglo-Saxon people were
united at last in a common cause.
"The Anglo-Saxon race must save
civilization" he added.
Certainly his majesty did not ap-
pear optimistic over the outlook, and
asked me numerous questions about
Americas preparation for war.
Leaving the palace, we went to our
embassy and during an informal talk
Mr.. Page remarked how happy he was
that America was at last in the war,
and added:
"Now 1 am able to hold up my head
and look people squarely in the eye"
Through his service as ambassador
he was beloved and honored by the
British people, who admired his virile
personality, but many Americans did
not approve of his rather apologize
attitude toward his own country prior
to our entry into the war in aid of
the allies.
Admiral Sims Not Satisfied.
1 had a talk with Admiral Sims, who
was not in personal command of our
fleet serving with the British navy,
but remained in London with an office
at our embassy and directed the move
ments of our naval vessels, especially
destroyers, from there.
He was not satisfied with the sup
port given him from home, and COM
| planned that the Navy department had
not sent all the destroyerS asked for.