Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 90, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 May 1917 — TROOP MOVEMENTS PRODIEM SOLVED [ARTICLE]

TROOP MOVEMENTS PRODIEM SOLVED

Washington—Fairfax Harrison, general chairman of the special committee on national defense of the American Railway association, announced that a complete plan of co-operation during the war between the railroads and the government had been determined upon. His statement follows: “The preparations for war as made by the government and the railroads have been worked out along the lines largely developed by Lieut. Col. Chauncey B. Baker of the Quartermaster corps, who for a number of years has made an exhaustive study of military transportation. He has been in charge of transportation for the quartermaster general from 1902 until 1900 and from 1912 to the present time. “As agreed upon by the railroads and the military authorities, Tepresentatlves of the American Railway association, from the operating, motive power, traffic and accounting departments of roads designated by the special committee on national defense of the American Railway association will be located in the office of the quartermaster general, at each department headquarters, at each mobilization point, at each concentration point and at each strategic point at which troops are to be assembled. Other inspectors or representatives will be designated as may be required to facilitate the co-operation between the transportation and the military service and as the needs of the service may indicate. Must Be Broad-Minded. “The railroads’ special committee or national defense has Advised the carriers that officers for the above service ‘should be chosen from a class of men who wTII be*broad-minded and temperamentally men of such character as would take a broad view of transportation in movements of troops and supplies. They should wholly divest themselves of any disposition to work for or in favor of any particular transportation line, but should apply themselves solely to the solution of the transportation problem In the manner most satisfactory to the government, and in such fashion as can be most effectively executed by the railways. They are assigned to this duty as transportation experts and will assist the quartermaster with whom they are serving not only in the transportation of troops but in any other matter pertaining to transportation in which their assistance may be requested. •The American Railway association representatives carriers provide — immediately upon their arrival at the, mobilization, concentration or other jpoint to which assigned, must report in person to the

commanding officer, presenting their credentials. The commanding officer should then assign them to duty with the camp quartermaster, to whom they act as an assistant, and through whom all Instructions must be received. Assignments to Be Permanent. “The assignment of the American Railway association representatives to stations at the various points and posts designated should be of a permanent character, so that the proper officer of the Quartermaster corps or of state authorities will be able to communicate with such representatives and arrange in advance all especial details of mobilization and of movements to concentration and strategic points. “Should it be Impracticable for any reason for any representatives so chosen to continue in that capacity, their places should be filled by other appointments and the quartermaster’s office affected, as well as the office of the quartermaster general, should be notified. “It is Important that the American Railway association representative in each instance be advised of any change in the office of the department quartermaster at mobilization or concentration point in order that such representative shall have the advantage of personal contact w’lth the new officer whenever a change is made. Quartermasters concerned should communicate in writing with the American Railway association representative, indicating any special duties In addition to those herein laid down that it would be desirable for the American Railway association representative to perform.”