The National tribune., 1907-03-14

listed man. In fact, the reply which
greets one who puts that question to a
Regular" Savors of treason, besides be-
ing in most cases particularly vehem-
ent. The new method, which under
General Orders. No. 6S. provides for a
complete Bertillon description, photo
graphs, and thumb and finger-nail
markings. causes the soldier to go
thru the same ordeal which confronts
the prisoner on his first visit to the
penitentiary or the rogues gallery
Many of the enlisted men look upon
this process as unnecessarily degrad-
ing and some of the officers agree with
them.
The strongest argument in favor of
the recently installed system seems to
be that il prevents desertion to a great
extent But the men who are opposed
to it bring forward the following refu-
tation:
'The percentage of desertion among
enlisted men is only six, as matters
stand now, and even if that ratio can
be lowered by the identification method
it will certainly not offset the loss in
ranks caused by the failure of the men
to re-enlist."
A suggestion that the order be mod
flied SO as to exempt enlisted men meets
with great favor, and unless this is done
il is probable that the carrying out OF
the design will meet with continued
protest.
The argument of the War Depart
ment that it serves to detect deserters
was eXemplified in an instance which
occurred recently. A private in the ar
tillery. who is serving a five-year SEN
tence for dangerous assault. was by this
means identified as fugitive from Eng
land He had killed a gunmate in that
country, and his punishment has been
left entirely to the United States Off
Gals.
The thumb-nail system is of Chinese
origin and is applied to most foreign
armies where native troops are used.
1t has been installed for some time In
the English army, particularly among
the Sepoys and other Indian soldiery.
It is intmated that the United States
will shortly take more active measures
to enforce its demand for official recog-
milton of the American schools and mis-
sionary esta blishments in Turkey should
the removal of the existing difficulties
be much longer delayed. The minis
terial committee appointed to deal with
the question has reafiirmed the settle
ment arranged three years ago with the
approving the agreement has been sub
mitted TO the Sultan.
mbasSador Leishman has reso1utely
refused to consider all suggestions to re-
open the discussion as to details.
Yale will send a squad of adventur-
Gus members of the senior class to help
dig the Isthmian Canal as soon as they
receive their diplomas in June.
Fully 25 students have written to
Secretary Taft asking his help in secur>
ing an opening. He has responded.
pointing out positions open to college
graduates. but as the places are filled
by Civil Service appointments the Yale
adventurers will have to take their
chances with the other aspirants. Most
of them are taking engineering courses
in the Sheffield Scientific School.
Gov Hanly, of Indiana, has signed
the bill under which the State will take
charge of the grave of Nancy Hanks
Lincoln, the mother of Abraham Lin
coin.
The Governor will appoint a commits
sion to have charge of the grounds and
maintain them. 1t seems incredible that
this sacred duty should have been so
long neglected by Indiana.
Women of Washington have begun
a campaign against the long train Mrs
Roosevelt is at the head of the move
ment. 1t is no fear of microbes or con-
sideration for the views of health fad
dists that is responsible for the move
ment but simply due regard for what
is suitable and becoming. 1t does not
need a fashion oracle TO make it plain
that only tall and slender women look
their best in long trains. Those who
are short and of ample proportions
should avoid trailing lengths of silks
and tulle as they would the color
scheme of Hottentot or Indian. Bu,
the fact remains that altho most Of the
women of the official family in Wash
ingtOn are below the average in stature
all seem to take a special delight In ar
raying themselves in the longest trains
their dressmakers can be induced to
build. Mrs. Roosevelt Is of medium
hight and has the advantage of many
in respect Of inches. She has intimated
her desire that only demi-trains be
worn at the White House levees. She
adheres to the rule strictly and has won
few followers. but they still rank with
the minority.
1t used to be "shiras. Judge;" and
then the scales of justice were balanced
to a nicely. Now 1t is "Shiras, photog-
rapher;" and the wild animals upon
which the eminent former Justice OF
| the United States Supreme Court TO-
cuses his camera would know, II they
were capable Of reasoning. that the very
best pictures ever taken of them were
| in his possession. Since retiring from
the bencn Justice Shiras has spen,
much ,ine in Washington. and has no,
returneL to his old home at Pittsbure
| to reside permanently. Instead of hunt
| ing wild animals with a gun, he gets
much rare sport by hunting them with
the camera. and 1t Is said that his II.
hrary is filled with pictures of fierce
brutes that he has photographed in
! their native Businesses. He has ira.
versed the larger portion of the Rock.
Mountains from Canada as far south
as Colorado in pursuit of his move
| pastime. and it is reported that Justice
| Shiras is probably the only person who
ever got the picture of mountain lior
! by fashlight at night.
Senator La Toilette is still confined
to his residence at Chevy Chase by the
severe attack of grip that drove him tc
bed few days before the close of Con.
| gress, but he has gained strength So
rapidly within the past day or two tha
| he felt encouraged to believe he would
| be strong enough to leave his bed soor
and begin his lecture tour. He ha
had to cancel four lecture engagements
and IL his recovery continues he will
/ leave Washington for Ohio next week