Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1917 — TEDDY WOULD LEAD ARMY IN EUROPE [ARTICLE]

TEDDY WOULD LEAD ARMY IN EUROPE

Rich Ren of New York Hope to Send American Force Abroad In Case Of Wat With Germany. New York-, March 21.—The immediate organization of an American expeditionary force of 100,000 men to fight in France with* the entente troops under the command of Col. Theodore Roosevelt, has been undertaken by a group of wealthy men in New York City, it was learned this .afternoon on the highest authority. Probably a large number of men in the force is to be recruited from the trained American soldiers now serving with the French or British armies, veterans all of them. Some of theni have.&ug'ht .through., the greatest battles on the western front. Arrangements will be made, it was learned, to have these men dischargd from the French and British service to form the nucleus of Mr. Roosevelt’s force. It is estimated that there are at least 50,000 American citizens nowfighting under the British and Frepch flags, all of whom have been highly trained. Several hundred of them are officers. The great majority are believed tA be with the Canadian divisions, one whole battalion of American citizens having been organized and mustered into the Canadian service several months ago. English, Scotch and Irish regiments have many Americans and the foreign legion of France has a great number of them. It was said this afternoon negotiations are under tvay to have these men released from their present service to join Mr. Roosevelt. All these men will be mobilized at some camp, either in England or in France, as American troops. Mr. Roosevelt is expected to begin recruiting at once here for the rest. London, March 23. —Thirteen members of the American steamer Healdton’s crew have arrived at Ymuiden, Holland. They 'say the steamer was sunk without warning in the so-called “safe zone,” and express the belief that nineteen men aboard vessel were drowned. Of the crew of 41 probably 19 men were drowned, owing to a sloop capsizing. Two others who .jumped also were drowned. The sinking of the Healdton adds another grave Chapter to the story of war waged against American shipping by Germany to be laid before congress by President Wilson at the special session he has called for April 2. It can cause no immediate change in the situation. Since the destruction of three American ships last Saturday and Sunday administration officials have considered that a state of war existed and it is to meet this condition that congress has been, summoned. * The Healdton w'as unarmed, having left port before the president authorized the navy to furnish guns and gunners to merchantmen. Her fate serves to heighten the profound interest. with which the government and the public aw-aits the time'when an American vessel prepared and ready to send a shell into a hostile submarine on sight will enter the war zone.