Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-22

the relative value Of the different arms.
each being represented by at least one
officer, with an occasional guest from
the staff to take sides according TO his
particular origin. The arttllerymen
would dispute honors with the infantry
pointing out the helplessness Of the
foot soldier without the support OF the
big guns, while the cavalryman would
assert the superiority Of his arm over
either because he could fight on foot
or on horseback and didn't have TO
carry Ito pounls on his back over
muddy roads day after day and night
after night TO get into battle.
The vital Infantry
Hartford and I were both from the
cavalry, and the cavalry member Of the
stan felt that he had ct least o sympa-
thetic audience. The infantry aide,
however, always held his own in any
discussion, as no matter how specious
the arguments or perhaps the gibes at
his expense, we all knew that without
the infantry the other arms would &C.
complish little. The associations Of
such a group are never forgotten, and
even a short period was enough to es-
tablish a permanent and affectionate
relationship
Rotation in office was early adopted
as a principle to be applied to the staff
in general. and although it was never
possible fully to carry it out. most Of
the officers Of my staff got their chance
at O tour with combat troops. Mas.
Collins and Shallenberger. two OF the
aides who went with me to France,
were the first to go to other duty. being
replaced by Majs. Quekemeyer and
Bowditch. Col. Boyd, who Joined me as
aide shortly after my arrival in
France. remained throughout the war
When Gen. Harbords turn came his
place as chief of staff was taken by
Gen, McAndrew. Several of the higher
officers OF the general staff had tour
with@ troops, not only that they might
have the opportunity to serve at the
front. which is every soldiers ambition,
but because they would return to staff
duty with broader and more sympa-
thetic understanding Of the line officer
point of view, and appreciate more fully
the consideration that he deserves at
the hands Of the staff.
According to the plan for the rota-
ton of officers between line and stan
several others were relieved and sent to
serve with troops. Among them were
Col. Frank r. Mccoy, secretary of the
general staff, relieved by Maj. James H
Collins, and Col. w. D. Conner. assistant
chief Of staff Gel, relieved by Col. G.
v. H. Moseley.
Tonnage StiIl Problem.
Our members of the Interallied
Maritime Council were wide awake at
this time in their search for additional
tonnage. Dwight Morrow reported
prospects of some increase, besides call
ing attention to tonnage that was idle OF
not being used to the best advantage
The immense shipment Of American
troops contemplated the use of al
available passenger cargo carrying ships
British, American and neutral. AS very
little Of any space would be left in such
ships for cargo, the latter class OF ships
was in greater demand than ever.
Meanwhile, the amount of world car
20 tonnage built during the preceding
| five months was scarcely equal to the
losses and the ships we were manufac-
turing had only just begun to be turned
out for service. It was at once evident
that the immense program of troop
shipments would call for extraordinary
concessions on the part Of all con-
| cerned.
Indeed, there was some doubt in ship
| ping circles whether enough cargo ship:
could be provided for us without neg
lecting the requirements of other ma
tions for food and supplies. The pros
poets Of increased tonnage from Ameri-
can yards within the next few months
though little was ready at the moment
enabled the Shipping Control to take
some chances and permit the use OF
| accumulated supplies In various coun-