The spectator., 1918-12-10

fare. There Is also a fear that too many of the German junker class, who were responsible for the horrors in Bel gium and France. Serbia and other conquered territories, will never re- ceive the punishment which should be meted out to Huns who outdid in atroc- ities their ancestors of the middle ages. There may be considerable diff f1culty in dealing with Germany in fu- who is responsible and in charge of the government.
 A question has been raised as to whether the Republicans will be able to organize the senate, and this solely on the supposition that Senator La Toilette of Wisconsin might not net with the Republicans. If La Toilette refused to vote for the program which the Republicans decide upon in the way of officers and committee assignments 1t would result In a tie vote, as the senate will be constituted after the fourth of March. In that event the Democratic organization would con- tinue indefinitely. While a great many political writers have indulged in spec ulations as to what Senator La Toilette will do, no one seems to have taken the trouble to interview the Wisconsin senator on the subject. And as long as he does not speak he can remain the senatorial mystery.
 The rapidity with which the war de partment is going about the work of demobilization indicates that there will be as speedy reduction of the army as necessity will allow. There Is every indication that many of the troops that have recently been brought into service by the draft will be re- leased and sent home. There Is a great deal of doubt as to when the troops In Europe will be returned. It will take several months to determine just what Is necessary in the way of troops to assist the allies in restoring peace conditions In the war-torn countries.
 One class of Washington rent profit eers will get jolt when the government reaches stage where 1t can largely reduce the office forces. Congress will not order the many buildings which have been erected in public parks dismantled, but will re- tain them and have them occupied by government forces, and thus withdraw t~,,tI irh have been rented. In the war period everything that wns vacant was taken by the government, and at this time scores of old junk piles In the city of Washington are paying their owners large rental harvests. As soon as con gress can get to work actively on It's economy program, It is going to cut out this sort of profiteering.
 There promises to be fight In con gress when the next naval nppropria- ton bill Is brought forward, especial ly if IL contains the administration measures for largely increasing the fighting ships of the navy. The anti war spirit. the pacifst feeling which has been compelled to He dormant since the United States entered the war, will come to the surface. and further enlargement of the navy. ns It will mean maintaining the present na- val force. At the same time, If the United States Is to become one of the leading nations of peace 1t will need a mighty strong force to help maintain that peace.
 Congressman LaGuardia was given a "big hand" when he came into the house chamber few minutes before the presidents announcement of the armistice with Germany. LaGuardia wns in his khaki uniform of major In the United States army. Only re- gently he returned from Italy. where he has seen hard service on the Aus tro-Itallan front. Many of his col leagues had not seen him since he left for the front about year ago. and the house rose to its feet and cheered as he came in. There was added emphasis to the cheering he- cause of LaGuardia's defeat of lis paclfst opponent In the recent cleo ton.
 Speaking of frankness, let us con slder what Senator Borah of Idaho said in the senate the morning ;fter Majority Leader Martin made his piea for economy in government expendi- lures. If the people really knew the method and the manner in which we cxpend money and the waste of which we are guilty" said Senator Borah. they would mob us. It is by reason of the feet that the details of these expenditures are kept from the peo- pie that public opinion Is not aroused to its height In regard to this matter" Speaking of the overcrowdlng of gov crnment bureaus here, Senator Borah let fall this somewhat cynical remark :: '.Conrr,ess has great capacity to mnke