AMERICA AT WAR

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16216, 20 May 1918, Page 7

AMERICA AT WAR

(By Cable. —Press Association.— (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 19th, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 18. President Wilson has arrived at New York, where ho will address a Red Cross meeting to-day.

A L'nitod Press correspondent says that President Wilson will point out that the. United States must prepare for further sacrifices in order to frustrate Germany's aggressive plans. Tho United States is preparing for a mighty stroke before the close of 1919. The War Department has asked the Shipping Hoard to increase its 1919 plans by GO per cent. Advanco contracts have been lot in anticipation of an enormous force of Americans which is expected to be sent to tho West front. President Wilson will emphasise that a just peace ,is possible only by crushing German militarism.

Italy has informed tho United States Government that the presence of American troops on tho Italian front is much desired. Italian officials feel tltat the sight of tho American flag in Italy would havo a good moral effect on the Italian troops and people. A few thousand American troops would bo sufficient.

(Australian and X.2. Cable Association.)

(Received May 19th, 11.15 p.m.)

NEW YORK, May IS

Ex-President Taft, in a speech at the Philadelphia "Win-tlie-War" Convention, said that tho United States would have an army of 320,000 (sic) fcy the end of this year, and 5.400,000 by tho end of 1919.

President Wilson, speaking at a Red Cross meeting, said there was no limtc to the number of men America would send to France. The United States intended to stand by Russia as well :is Franco. DISASTROUS EXPLOSION. (Australian and JT.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 19tli, 11.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 18. An explosion of T.N.T. (trinitrotoluol) wrecked a chemical plant at Pittsburg. It is unofficially estimated that there are 170 dead and 400 injured.