Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1898-08-31

The scandal growing out of the ship
ment of sick soldiers on the transports
Seneca and ConcAo without adequate sup
plies will undoubtedly result in general
inquiry v Congress into the inefficiency
of the staff corps of the army, and proba-
bly, In the reorganization of very awk-
ward and complicated combination that
has served us very well in time of peace,
but always causes trouble and confusion
in emergencies. and would be tolerated by
no other Government. The medical de-
partment Is responsible for the health OF
the army, for healing the wounded and
curing the sick; the commissary depart
ment feeds the army, and yet both are
utterly helpless without the aid of the
quartermaster's department, which fur
nishes transportation f0r their supplies.
The commissaries provide plenty of food
and deliver il at the source of supply to
the Quartermaster, who carries il TO the
place where 1t is wanted and hands ii over
to the commissary again. who deals II out
in rations for the soldiers on reQuisitions
from the proper regimental officers. If
the supply does not come In time, or If it
is not delivered at the right place, the
commissary blames the quartermaster,
and the quartermaster blames the COM
missary.
Ex-Secretary Tracy and ex-Secretary
Herbert were the two proudest men in the
audience of millions that witnessed the
naval parade at New York, because they
built the ships that did the business at
Manila and Santiago. Secretary Tracy
declared that every one of the men-of-
war engaged In active service in this war
except the Baltimore was designed under
his direction and had her keel laid while
he was Secretary of the Navy. Secre-
tary Herbert, on the other hand, declared
that every battleship and cruiser that took
part In the Santiago fight was launched
and christened under his auspices. 1t was
quite appropriate, therefore, that both of
these gentlemen should be named on the
committee to welcome Admiral Sampson.
Lieut.. Little of the navy writes: II do
not belle that history records any war
into which people has gone so much for
principle and so little for resentment. 1
fancy the American character has been
as much of a revelation to the Spaniards
as the accuracy of our gun fire, and can
not help feeling that we are gaining a
greater Wet ry in that direction than with
our arms. some think we are showing an
unnecessary amount of hectic gush, but il
comes too spontaneously and in too many
places at once not to be genuine. Don't
cheer, men; the poor devils are dying is
sentiment not limited TO fack Philip.
He expressed the feeling of !. nation"
The Navy Department will ask Con
gress to authorize the construction Of the
largest and most formidable battleships
and cruisers afoat, vessels without equals
in any foreign fleets and incomparably
superior In offensive power. speed and en-
durance to any of the magnificent ships
which a few weeks ago destroyed Ger
vera's squadron. This decision, reached
at meeting of the naval board on con-
struction will be urged upon Congress Tor
prompt action, supported by arguments
of the most convincing character.
-
The strength of the army will be main
tanned above 10000 until Congress
meets, but in the meantime. unless unex-
pected international complications occur,
about 100000 volunteers will be mustered
out OF service, the reduction process COM
mencing at once and progressing as rapid
ly as possible with a view to its compile
ton before Oct. /.
In reply to an inquirer, would say that
$500 or $400 would be of no consequence
in Porto Rico. No one should emigrate
there unless he makes arrangements in
advance for employment or has a suili-
cient amount of capital to buy n planta-
ton or establish himself in business.
The commissioner of internal revenue
has held that certificates of membership
in wheelmen's protective associations are
required to have affixed to them revenue
stamps at the rate of 1a cent on each dol
lar or fraction thereof of premium paid.
President Mckinley will be the guest of
the Omaha exposition during the peace
jubilee, which will be a feature early in
nnfOhar