The Monticellonian., 1918-01-25
SPEED NOW MOST
 IMPORTANT MATTER
EVERYTHING PERTAINING TO THE WAR NOW BEGINS TO
 MOVE FORWARD RAPIDLY.
40 COMPLAINING OF COST
People Demand Quick Results and Ef- ficiency and Are Solidly Behind the Government - Rumors of Cabinet Changes Likely to Be False.
By ARTHUR w. DUNN.

aShington.-Rapid movement is likely to characterize everything per taining to the war from this time for ward. If the congressional inyestiga- tions have had no other effect than to cause q speeding up of military prepa- rations, then they have accomplished a 1 great deal. It is the impression among i congressman that the most important matter confronting the United States is the war, and that speed in getting forces equipped for the war is para mount to every other consideration.
 Here is an idea that sinks in deeply : i The American people are not going to l complain about the cost and expendi- 1 lures if results can be obtained, but undue delay and inefficiency where they expect so much. From all parts of the country reports are being re- ceived which show that the people are behind the government. And so far they have not been disposed to criu- cize what has been done.
 Even those who think the govern ment has not been moving swiftly enough should remember that repub- lies are rarely war efficient nations and that the peaceful pursuits of Americans for half century, save the little brush with Spain, have untitted them to make war quickly and without mistakes. We are not warlike peo- | pie and it takes time to put our troops in war training and equip them with war untensils. Trench warfare, big guns of long range, barbed wire, tanks, liquid fire, poison gas, bombs and gren- ades have so changed war conditions that soldiers not only have to learn the game over again, but they have to have an almost new equipment.
 Rumored Cabinet Ruptures.
 When rumors of cabinet ruptures are in circulation 1t is well to give careful investigation before giving credence to them. President Wilson has one striking characteristic-to hold on to men he has chosen for any posi- tions. It is nearly five years since he became president. During that time there have been three cabinet changes. Lansing succeeded Bryan in the state department, Baker succeeded Garrison in the war department, Gregory sue eeeded McReynolds in the department of justice. The other seven members of the cabinet remain. 1t Is remark able record and one which should cause professional cabinet makers" to tn hofnrn Dnal<inO ahnnOpS in President Wilson's official family.
 Sightseeing was not in the least discouraged either by lack of transpor- tation or on account of the cold wealth CT which created so much consterna- ton in Washington. Parties of tour ists poured into Washington all through the holiday weeks, and besides taking in the public buildings, went about in the sightseeing automobiles Many of these parties were somewhat disappointed because they did not see congress In session.
 Nothing else arouses the ire of for mer Senator Bailey of Texas quite sc much as talk of general government ownership of all public utilities. Yak ing over the railroads for war purposes has started lot of talk to the effect that never will the government surren der control, and that the telephones and telegraph will follow the rail roads into government ownership. "It means 2,500,000 voters in the govern ment employ" said Bailey, "and they will have relatives enough to insure control of 5,000,000 votes. That wilt mean that the party in power can control the nomination of candidates and the election of its nominee. It Is the most radical step toward social ism ever known"
 May Divide Quartermaster's Work.
 As the war progresses it will nc doubt become imperative to divide one of the army departments into three or four. The quartermaster's department of the army now GOV CTS many functions of war. few years ago the commissary and pay de partments of the army were consoli- dated with the quartermaster's de partment It was an ideal condition in time of peace. but not much use ir time of war. A quartermaster Is sup posed to look after quarters for the army. But he has much more to do He is master of army transportation purchases tents, clothing, fuel, and since the consolidation, all other sup plies except arms, and pays the troops besides. It is a mighty large contract and it is not surprising that the guar. termaster corps found itself swamped when it undertook to provide every. | thing needful for an army of l 1,5o0.00C men while heretofore it supplied 100.- i GOO men.
 Quite likely we will see this quarter masters department expanded into diff ferent divisions, one of transporta- ton, one of camps and camp equip age. one of clothing for troops, and one of food supplies for troops. Each l division under a competent officer who had become impressed with the responsibility of the job imposed upon him, would greatly help in getting troops ready for the front and would
 Drying Foods.
 The process of drying as means of preserving food for storage possesses i great advantages over canning and