American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1918-01-29

there are no Republicans and no DEM
ocrats. no Observation-Disclosures men
and no observation-disclosures men. Only
one motive can now inspire any APP
pointments 10 important posts-that
Of getting the most efficient men for
the Jobs. Personal preferences and
political Royalties are considerations
that should have no influence upon
the administration. II any members
Of the present cabinet are not the best
men Ia the country for the particular
work In question, these men should
go. All the other nations have had
10 meet this issue. Joffre proved the
great support Of France in her hour
Of agony because he ruthlessly dis
missed generals who had proved in
competent, and appointed their sue
ceBsors purely on the grounds OF mer-
II. England has dismissed most cab
met officers with whom she started
war and has found their SUCCESSORS
In men who increased the nations
speed and power to make a France
has done likewise. With such a dem
onstration OF popular support as the
administration has received In the
tremendous over-subscription 10 the
i'A'AA AAVNAh LOAHf a. Mdlhn dif
certainly free 10 adopt any measures
that Will promote our best efficiency
az this time.
The conduct OF the war Is In the
hands OF the administration in a way
peculiar TO this country. In any
other democracy. or constitutional
monarchy, the Legislative body which
has granted money for the prosecu-
ton OF a war has the right, and as q
matter Of fact practises the right. 10
find out from the executive what he is
trying to do and what is being ac-
oomplished. With us that Is not done.
A committee Of congress can summon
Witnesses. including members OF the
cabinet, but II is not done often
enough for congress TO keep itself in
formed.
Let us take the matter OF military
preparations. In the early months Of
1916 the president made q tour OF the
west. speaking In favor OF military
preparedness. II vas a new depart
ure for him and the people were a little
surprised. Congress was not con
ylnced-but congress vas acting In
the dark. The president knew things
about Germany's attitude toward us
which other people did not know. The
president gave up Judge Garrison and
preparedness and invited Mr.. Baker
TO become secretary OF war and &C
cept the Hay bill. We do not know
how much MIR. Baker knew about the
possibility OF war. We do know that
he did nothing for thirteen months to
rectify our condition. in spite of urg-
ing by the army. the press, and vari-
Gus patriotic societies. He became &C
tive only after we declared war. His
failure to get ready cost us a years
time. Whether Mr.. Baker failed be-
cause he was convinced that the pres
ident would keep us out OF war or for
some other reason makes little diff
ference. In most other countries
whore cabinet members are Judged by
the intelligence they show In foresee-
ing and meeting crises. he would have
lost his position.
II Is not worth while TO recall this
past history except to point out one
curious fact. Mr.. Baker In his failure
TO prepare was responsible to no one
but tho president, and the president
was responsible TO no one but the next
election. and he could withhold OF
publish either to congress or the peo-
pie the only essential facts on which
his conduct could be judged. This Is
not Mr.. Wilson's fault. AS a matter
OF fact he is In favor of responsible
government. But this makes all the
more glazing the fact hat under Oui
system II has not been practised.
Now that IL what happened to give
the Germans one years respite from
US. Tho next question is. What is go
ding on nOw2
There is no one to ask MIR. Baker
how many men he intends TO have in
France In 1918 and 20 check up the
actual progress to see II 1t fits the
prOgramme-or to check the pro-
a proper effort with what was lone In
Canada. England or Australia.
There Is no one interested In the
length OF the delay in ordering rifles
or heavy artillery. In getting appro-
p%riations there was a general pro-
gramme OF amounts laid out. but the
specifications as TO time were not de-
finite and no one Is checking them up.
No one knows whether Mr.. Baker will
be months ahead or behind his
schedule for big guns or whether his
schedule Is for 1918. 1919 or 1920.
The present private conduct OF the
war by the president. Mr.. Baker. ana
Mr.. Daniels is not altogether assur-
ing because, with the best intentions
IN the world. they made the colossal
blunder OF doing nothing before the
war. despite many warnings both at
home and from Germany. Without
some responsibility &c congress they
may not be doing enough or working
quickly enough now.
II Is true that In tho last few years
congress has not had a very enyiable
reputation for ability. Yet II congress
has the power 20 vote money Il must
have the power to see that the money
Is spent effectively. At present the
administration conducts the war prac-
tically without immediate responsible
ity 10 any one, and there Is good rea-
son TO think that our training pro-
urammA a. hand pur chin