Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 April 1918 — US. TROOPS TO BE RUSHED [ARTICLE]

US. TROOPS TO BE RUSHED

TO FRANCE—PICARDY BATTLE ACCELERATES MOVEMENT ' OVERSEAS.

Washington, April B.—Transportation of American troops to France is already proceeding at the accelerated rate contemplated by the speeding up measures taken after the battle of Picardy began. Acting Secretary Crowell made this- statement today but would, give no details. For military reasons the extent of the increased troop movement has not been made public. the conferences between Secretary Baker and allied officials, orders were given under which a British official statement was issued saying that American jfOrces were to be brigaded with British troops in order to hasten American participation in the war. Officials explained today that the process to be folw lowed was similar to that adopted in placing American troops in the front lines with the French for training. It has been estimated that thirty days' training of this character with American battalion units assigned with the British organization will fit the new-comers for active duty at the front. Full divisions now moved from this side are composed of men who have had several months of preliminary training and who need only final instruction to take their full share in the fighting. The training process will be quicker with the British than with the French, it is believed, because the language difficulty does not exist. American units will find every British veteran an instructor and there will be no need for interpreters. It was indicated that the new plans call for a more extensive training scheme with the British army than has been the case with General Pershing’s original force. There probably will be no attempt to set up a purely American force within the British ranks, as has been done with the French. The Americans are to be withdrawn when trained and turned over to General Pershing as a part of his army. They will share fully with their British comrades the battles on their front and the belief here is that they will not be withdrawn as long as there is pressing need for their service with the British lines.