Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1919 — 300,000 MEN MAY RETURNMONTHLY [ARTICLE]

300,000 MEN MAY RETURNMONTHLY

March Says Entire Force Abroad Could Ba Brought Home In Six Months. .. IWi TO CLEAR CAMPS IN MONTH Ten Divisions May Ito held Oversea* —Standing Army of 500,000 to * Ito Kept Under Arms. j Washington, January 27.—■Gen* eval March, chief of staff, Informed the senate military committee today that shipping arrangements had been made by which 300,000 mean might be transported home monthly and that all of tho American exp** dltionary forco could be returned home and demobilised within six months. There are still alymt 785,0001 men in eamp in the United Staten and all will be demobilized within a month from today except tho* retained for "overhead’* dwty, General March added. Up to noon) last Saturday, he said, 104,000 men had arrived from overseas. How many Americans will bn held abroad in the army of occupation Is to be determined by President Wilson, General Marcfol said, but more Americans already have been designated for return home than originally proposed by Marshal Foch. He Indicated that ten divisions had been suggested as America’s contribution to the army of occupation. / Discussing * demobilization plans, generally with the committee. General March said refention of an American standing army of 500,000 was proposed. “We don’t ever expect to reduce below 500,000 men—if we cad help it,” ho said. Tonnage sufficient to transport 300,000 men monthly will be available, he explained, through ship* allotted) by the allies combined with German passenger tonnage, and the negotiations are practically completed. With about 1,800,000 Americana still overseas, the chief of staff said a shipping capacity of 300,000 monthly should make It possible to return and demobilize all within six months.

• I’reuldent agrees to leaio ten divisions, or whatever number, in the arjny of occupation,” he said, "we can make it in less time. From the beginning General Pershing was Instructed to return men as fast as 'shipping was available.” Speaking of the 785,000 men still in camp at home, General March said: “Hvery single man will be out of camp within one month from today, ■except those retained for overhead duty.’’ Several senators said they had received many complaints bcause divisions which had seen long service overseas apparently were to be the last sent home. This policy. General March said. Was strictly in accordance with military plans to hold experienced men in the army of occupation, adding; “It will keep men who will not unduly excite the Germans —or able to run over them if necessary. ”