Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1918-01-30
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.

itkely TO characterize everything per
tanning TO The war from this time for
ward. If the congressional inyestiga-
tions have had no other effect than to
cause u speeding up of military prcpa-
rations. then they have accomplished a
great deal 1t is the impression among
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
L he American people are not going to
complain about the cost and eXpendl-
lures if results can be obtained, hut
they will be Discontinued If there Is
undue delay and inefficiency where
they expect so much. From all parts
Of the country reports are being re-
ceited 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
lies are rarely war efficient nations
anu that the peaceful pursuits of
Americans fot half a century, save the
little brush with Spain, have untitled
them to make aar quickly and without
mistakes. W. are not warlike peo-
pie and it takes time to put our troops
ia 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-
Hdes have 50 changed war conditions
that soldiers not only have to learn the
game over again but they have to have
au almost pew equipment.
Rumored Cabinet Ruptures.
When rugors of cabinet ruptures
are in circulation it is we'll to give
careful investigation before giving
,,redence To them. President Wilson
las one striking characteriStic--to hold
"a To men he has chosen for any posi-
tiouI 1t IL nearly five years since he
hecam, President. During that time
there have been three cabinet charges.
Lansing succeeded Bryan in the state
department. Baker succeeded Garrison
ia The war department, Gregory sue
ceeded McReynoids in the department
Of Justice. The other seven mtmbers
of the cabinet remain. It Is a remark
abte record and one which should
cause professional cabinet makers to
hesitate before making changes in
President Wilson's official fumily.
Sightseeing was not Ia the least
discouraged either by lack Of transpor-
tatlon or of account of the cold wealth
or which created So much conSterna.
tiou in Washington, Parties of tour
lists poured into Washington all
through the holiday weeks. and besides
tasiug in the public buildings. went
about In the sightseeing automobiles.
Many of these parties were somewhat
disappointed because they did not see
congress Ia session.
Nothing else arouses the ire of for
mcr Senator Bailey of Texas quite So
much as talk Of general government
ownership of all public utilities TAX
ing over the railroads for war purposes
la~ started a lot OF talk to the effect
tlut never viii the government surren-
der control. and that the telephones
und Telegraph will follow the rail
roads into government ownership. 1T
means 2.5O0W0 voters in the govern.
.mtnt employ. said Bailey. and they
Mil have relatives enough tu insure
control of 100000 votes. That will
mean that the party ia power can
control the nomination % candidates
and the election of its nominee 1t IS
the most radical step toward social
Ism ever known.
May Divide Quartermasters Work
As the war progresses 1t will no
doubt become imperative 10 divide
enc of the army departments into
three or four The quurtermaster's
department Of the army now GOV.
ers many functions ri war few
years ago the commiSSary and pay de-
paFtment> of the army were c0uSoli-
dated with the qtartermaster's de-
partment Il was an ideal condition
in time of peace but not much use in
time of war. quartermaster is sup
posed TO look after quarters for the
array. Bur he has much more to do
he is master If army transportation,
purchases rents, clothing. fuel. and
since the consolidation, an other sup
plies except arms. and pays the troops
besides. II Is mighty large contract
and il is not surprising that the quar-
termaster corps found itself Swamped
when ii undertook To- provide every
thing uerdful for an army of 100000
men while heretofore it supplied 100
GA men.
Quite likely We will see this quarter
masters department expanded into diff
fercut 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
division under competent officer
who had become impressed with the
responsibility of the job imposed upon
him, would greatly help ia getting
troops ready for the front ana would
Drying Foods.
The process OF dryiug as means of