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Show Feels Sure President Will Grant Commander Request I for Retirement IBI WASHINGTON. June 12 Secretary j H Baker wrote General Pershing today H that should the gchcral adhore to j H recently expressed desire to retire he H l'olt sure that President Wilson would! H grant the request. The secretary's let- B "I have received your letter of June H 7 with regard to the possibility of H your relinquishing military duty with- H in the next few months. I am happy H to note that you are planning- to aid H us in the reorganization contemplated H by the recent act of congress, the H importance of which, of course. Is very H great. In this work your knowledge H of the qualifications ot officers wjll Hj be indispensable, and as the single H list for promotion is a project which H you earnestly recommended to con- H gross, it will help us all tu have 'yaur H aid in instituting it. H "Your military life has been active H and exacting; .your service to the H country entitle you to choose with the H utmost freedom the activities and in- H terests to which you. should devote H your time, and should you adhere to B your present wish to retire, I feel quite H sure the president will heed your H wishes whenever expressed. Both the H country and the president will know H that should any emergency arise after H you have retired, your country's cull Hj will find you ready to resp6nd." J |