The Monticellonian., 1918-03-22

In the course of a speech on the railroad bill Congressman Stephens of Nebraska referred to the "plunder- bunders who specialize in the wreck ing of railroads" He went on to say that "the story of the wrecking of that of any single Diamond Dick novel that was ever printed. The truth is that as highwaymen these wreckers make the performances of Jesse James look trivial and inconsequential."
 Possibly to the student of finance and economies the story of railroad wrecking is equal In interest to that of "Diamond Dick" or many others of. the same ilk. but it is more than probable that the average boy who revels in so-called dime-novel litera- ture would much prefer the old-fash- toned thrillers to railroad wrecking stories.
 Senator Sherman of Illinois, who is given to making speeches of some length and quite frequently. took the floor the other day to present his views and was interrupted by Senator Borah, who said there was so much disorder in the chamber that others could not hear the senator.
 Tt is the senate's own business. I presume" said Sherman "what kind of order is preserved, and I thank the senator from Idaho for reminding 1t of it's own duty to preserve it's parlia- mentary self-respect. So far as l am concerned. I will make myself heard if I want to, and if I do not, can talk without an audience in the cham Der. The galleries are always here, and, after all most of us are talk ing to the galleries anyhow. We are getting used to empty seats. I am per feetly oblivious to the order preserved or to anybody's being present except the reporters, to whom I can dictate, and who are very appreciative of any thing that may be said"
 Senator Nelson of Minnesota had an interesting interview with man who wanted to secure d commission in the army. II will not recommend any man for a commission" remarked the Minnesota senator. If you want to go in as a private and take your chan. ces l will recommend you"
 The man explained that he had been brought up rather well, that his father was a Union soldier and served in the ranks, and that he thought his education and intelligence entitled him to a position where he could serve the country better than as q private.
 What has your father got to do with it?" asked Nelson. He did his duty If he served as private. Why can't you do likewise? l served as d private. The trouble with this war is that we have too many officers and not enough privates."
 As he turned away the senator re- marked to friend: "I am getting very tired of seeing so many leather puttees in the city of Washington. All you have to do is glance at the legs of a man in uniform to see if he is an officer. and nine out of ten have leath- CT leggings. which indicates that they
 
 are officers, no matter what may be their rank This town is full of them and am not going to help to get any more.'
 A great many people who have fol- lowed the instructions of officials and placed one-cent stamp on magazine or periodical, thinking that it would soon be in France and furnishing read ing matter for the soldiers, may not be aware that much of this mail mat ter has been delayed by the want of shipping. It Is considered more impor- tant to get food. ammunition and oth- CT supplies to the soldiers than 1t Is to send over the reading matter. and tons of 1t have been stored in ware houses on the Atlantic seabord waiting Available shipping.