The Dermott news., 1918-01-24
SPEED NOW MOST
 IMPORTANT MATTER
EVERYTHING PERTAINING TO THE WAR NOW BEGINS TO
 MOVE FORWARD RAPIDLY.
NO 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.

By ARTHUR w. DUNN.
 Washington.-Rapid movement Is likely to characterize everything per taining to the war from this time Tor ward. If the congressional investiga- tons have had no other effect than to cause Il speeding up of military prepa- rations, then they have accomplished n great deal. It 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 WAT Is para mount to every other consideration.
 Here is an Idea that sinks in deeply: The American people are not going 10 complain about the cost and expendi- lures If results can be obtained. but they will be discontented If there Is undue delay and inefiiciency 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 Tar 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 unfitted them to make war quickly and without mistakes. We are not Il warllke peo- pie and IL takes time to put our troops in war training and equip them with war uuteusils. Trench warfare, big guns of long range barbed wire, tanks, liquid fire, poison gas, bombs and gren- ades have SD changed war conditions that soldiers net only have 10 learn the game over again, but they have to have un almost new equipment.
 Rumorcd 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 characteristie-to hold on to men he has chosen for any posi- tiunS. II Is nearly five Xcars 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 ceeded Mckeynolds in the department of justice The other seven members of the cabinet remain. II Is Il remark nhle record and one which should cause "profess!onSl cabinet makers 10 hesitate before making changes In President Wilson's official family
 Sightseeing was not in the least discouraged either by lack of transpor- tutlon or on account of the cold weath- CT which created so much consterna- ton in Washington. Parties of tour lsts 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 so much as talk of general government ownership of all public utilities. Tax ing over the railroads for war purposes has started a lot of talk 10 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 100000 voters in the govern ment employ" said Bailey, and they will have relatives enough to Insure control of 5,0oO,000 votes. That will mean that the party in power can control the nomination of candidates and the election of its nominee. IL 10 the most radical step toward social ism ever known"
 May Divide QuartermasteTs Work.
 AS the war progresses II will no doubt become imperative Co divide one of the army departments into three or four. The quartermaster's s department of the army now GOV CTS many functions of war. A few years ago the commissary and pay de partments of the army were consoli. dated with the quartermastar's de- partment. Ii was m Ideal condition | in time of peace, but not much use in time of war. A Quartermaster is sup posed to look after Qtlarters for the or@y. But he has ynuch more to do | He Is master of army transportation purchases tents. clothing, fuel. and since the consolidation. all other sup 1 plies except arins, and pays the troops besides. It is' mighty large contract : nnd it ,s not Surprising that the quar- 1 termastcr coEps found itself swamped when lt un2ertook to provide every thing needfhl for an army of l,5o0,o0O men while heretofore 1t supplied 1O0,- | O00 man.
 Quite likely we will see this quarter masters department expanded into diff fereut divisions one of transporta- tion. oYe of camps and camp equip axe. o9e of clothing for troops, and one ot' food supplies for troops. Each flfK t..t J., nffiaor