Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 March 1918 — SECRETARY OF WAR BAKER ARRIVES IN FRANCE [ARTICLE]

SECRETARY OF WAR BAKER ARRIVES IN FRANCE

Newton D. Baker, secretary of war, has arrived safely at a French port, according to advices received by the war department Sunday. Secretary Baker plans to spend some time in France inspecting in person the concrete results acheived in the efforts of his department to place in the field this year an army who will be a factor in the campaign. On the eve of his departure, Mr. Baker told members of the press who have been in the habit of seeing him every day that he did not expect to be away for any considerable length of time.

For several months the war secretary has been eager to see for himself conditions at the front and to talk over with General Pershing, the man upon whom the full burden of responsibility has been placed, the many problems that have arisen to impede the carrying out of the , department’s plans. It is impossible for General Pershing to come home for such a conference. Mr. Baker therefore determined after many conferences with President Wilson, to go himself on an inspection tour which will, he believes, better fit him for the great responsibility in meeting General Pershing’s requirements in fighting men and' materials and keeping in operation a supply line more than 3,000 miles long.