Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1918-01-29
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 e.
ficiency and Are SolidIy Behind the
Government - Rumors of Cabinet
Changes Likely to Be False.
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.

WaShington.-Rapid movement is
likely to characterize everything per-
tanning to the war from this time for
ward. If the congressional investiga-
lions have had no other effect than to
cause speeding up of military prepa-
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 :
The American people are not going to
complain about the cost and expendi-
lures if results can be obtained, but
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-
ceived which show that the peoDle are
behind the government. And so far
they have not been disposed to criti-
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 untitled
them to make war quickly and without
mistakes. We are not warlike peo-
nIn and If f0 tinn n mt trnOnS
in 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-
AIDES have so changed war conditions
that soldiers not only have to learn the
game over again, but they have to have
an almost new equipment.
Rumored Cabinet Ruptures.
When rumOrs of cabinet ruptures
are in circulation it is well to give
careful investigation before giving
credence to them. President Wilson
has one striking characteristic-to hold
on to men he has chosen for any posi-
tons. 1t is nearly five years 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 McReynolds in the department
of justice. The other seven members
of the cabinet remain. 1t is a remark
able record and one which should
cause professional cabinet makers to
hesitate before making changes in
President Wilson's official family.
Sightseeing was not in the least
discouraged either by lack of transpor-
tation or or account of the cold wealth
er which created so much consterna-
ton in Washington. Parties of tour
lists 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 to the effect
that never will the government surren-
der control, and that the telephones
and telegraph will follow the rail
roads into government ownership. at
means 100000 voters in the govern
ment employ" said Bailey, land they
will have relatives enough to insure
control of 100000 votes. That will
mean that the party in power can
control the nomination of candidates
and the election of its nominee. 1t is
the most radical step toward social
ism ever known"
May Divide Quartermaster's Work.
AS the war progresses it will no
doubt become imperative to divide
one of the army departments into
three or four. The quartermaster's
department of the army now COW
ers many functions of war. A few
years ago the commissary and pay de-
partments of the army were CONSOLE
partment 1t was an ideal condition
in time of peace, but not much use in
time of war. A quartermaster is sup
posed TO look after quarters for the
army. But he has much more to do.
He is master of army transportation,
purchases tents, clothing, fuel, and
since the consolidation, all other sup
plies except arms. and pays the troops
besides. 1t is a mighty large contract
and it is not surprising that the quar-
termaster corps found itself swamped
when 1t undertook to provide every
thing needful for an army of 100000
men while heretofore it supplied 100,-
600 men.
Quite likely we will see this quarter
masters department expanded into diff
ferent divisions, one of transporta-
ton, one of camps and camp equip
age one of clothing for troops, and