The daily Alaskan., 1917-01-22
Peace Restoration VIII Show
 Whether or Not II. Exists
ARMY A GREAT PROBLEM
Difficult to Get Men 10 Enli6s-Rillsary Committees Trying to Find ous What
 Shall Be Done With NatlonSlEzoa MI-
 litfa-Florida Getting Many PIums.
By ARTHUR w. DUNN.

Washington, Jan. 2.-tSpeciaL If there should be peace in Europe we might have an opportunity to test the predictions of those who have been asserting that at the close of the great war the United States will be in dan ger from one or another belligerent It was on that cry that such large ap- propriations were voted for war pur- poses last summer. It was about a year ago that the president made his tour of the country and issued the warnings which helped materlaIy-in fact, forced-the appropriations for military defense. It would certainly be most reprehensib1e for any nation to whom our efforts brought peace to turn around and use her great armies to make war upon us.
 There is a suspicion In the minds of many people that the United States has never been in very great danger; that no nation desires to go to war with this country, either now or when peace in Europe is declared
 The Army Problem.
 Instead of settling the army problem by the legislation of last summer 1t appears that new and more veXing complications have been created. Just now the military committees are try ing to find out what shall be done with the nationalized militia, whether 1t is to be continued or whether 1t can be restored to It's former position. Then the question of getting men IS very serious one. Men do not seem anxious to go into the army; and 1t win be a bold congress which will increase the pay to secure additional enlstments.
 Florida to the Fora.
 Florida has worked its way to a point of advantage-that is, consider ing the power the state delegation ex- erts in the distribution of money which now goes under the name of pork" Senator Fletcher is at the head of the commerce committee, and Congress- man Sparkman Is at the head of the rivers and harbors committed These committees handle the river and har- bor bill. Congressman Clark is at the head of the public buildings committee. Chairmen are a mighty potent force in shaping all legislation which comes before their committees.
 Congressman Frear of Wisconsin, who has earned a reputation as an op- ponent Of all so called pork" legisla- ton, in a recent statement pointed out that Florida had been mighty well cared for in different bills.
 Popular at Home.
 It is evident that W. J. Harris, mem- Der of the Federal Trade Commission, Is popular at home, as reports continue to come from Georgia which show that he is disturbing some of the politicians He has been mentioned several times for governor, and 1t is said that his friends are now considering him for senator. Harris is doing good work as a member of the trade commission.
 Why Shaw Was Invited.
 Former Secretary of the Treasury Leslie NJ. Shaw told this one on him self: He was in Washington at the time of the first White House recep- ton and received an invitation to be present He explained to one of his friends that he thought 1t very nice of the president to invite men like him self to the reception. particularly those who had taken such prominent part in the campaign against the reelection of the president
 "Oh," replied the friend, "he only in- vited those who he thought helped him."
 Another Election Story.
 An election story Is told on the col ored brother. One of the members of the house said that at the recent cleo tion there was an old darky who stood around all day, and shortly before the polls closed be contided to a friend:
 "Is done stay 'roun' here all day, an nobody said muffin to me. Elf dey doan say some'n' purity quick Is goin' in dere an vote as dern please"
 Not For Christmas.
 Just before the adjournment for the holidays a remark was made to a member of congress to the effect that in spite of all the noise nothing had been done respecting the high cost of living.
 "Reduction of the cost of living was not for Christmas" he replied. "We could not interfere with merry Yule- tide by thinking of high prices just at thIs ime."
 Who Can vote2
 If they should refer the liquor ques- ton tn Washington to the voters of this city there will be Q great deal of difficulty in deciding who shall vote and also in dividing the District into voting precincts. There are many peo- pie in Washington who retain voting residence In other states and regularly 20 home to cast their ballots at each election. If any of these should vote
 naa- . IL