Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1898 — WASHINGTION GOSSIP [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WASHINGTION GOSSIP

The scandal growing out of the shipment of sick soldiers on the transports Seneca and Concho without adequate supplies will undoubtedly result in n general inquiry by Congress into the inefficiency of the staff corps of the army, and probably in the reorganization of a very awkward and complicated combination that has served us very well in time of peace, but always causes trouble and confusion in emergencies, and would be tolerated by no other Government. The medical department is responsible for the health of the army, for healing the wounded and curing the sick; the commissary department feeds the army, and yet both are utterly helpless without the aid of the quartermaster’s department, which furnishes transportation for their supplies. The commissaries provide plenty of food and deliver it at the source of supply to the quartermaster, who carries it to the place where it is wanted and hands it over to the commissary again, who deals it out in rations for the soldiers on requisitions from the proper regimental officers. If the supply does not come in time, or if it is not delivered at the right place, the commissary blames the quartermaster, and the- quartermaster blames the commissary. * * • Ex-Secretary Tracy and ex-Secretary Herbert were the two proudest men in the audience of millions that. witnessed the naval parade at New York, because they built the ships that did the business at Manila and Santiago. Secretary Tracy declared that every one of the men-of-war engaged in active service in this war except the Baltimore was designed under his direction and had her keel laid while he was Secretary of the Navy. Secretary Herbert, on the other hand, declared that every battleship and cruiser that took part in the Santiago fight was launched and christened under his auspices. It was quite appropriate, therefore, that both of these gentlemen should be named on the committee to welcome Admiral Sampson. * * * Lieut. Little of the navy writes: “1 do not believe that history records any war into which a people has gone so much for principle and so little for resentment. 1 fancy the American character has been as much of a revelation to the Spaniards as the accuracy of our gun fire, and I cannot help feeling that we are gaining a greater victory in that direction than with our arms. Some think we are showing an unnecessary amount of hectic gush, but it comes too spontaneously and in too.many places at once not to be genuine. 'Don’t cheer, men; the poor devils are dying,’ is a sentiment not limited to Jack Philip. He expressed the feeling of the nation.” * • • The Navy Department will iisk Congress to authorize the construction of the largest and most formidable battleships and cruisers afloat, vessels without equals in any foreign fleets and incomparably superior in offensive power, speed and endurance to any of the magnificent ships which a few weeks ago destroyed Cervera's squadron. This decision, reached at a meeting of the naval board on construction will be urged upon Congress for prompt notion, supported by arguments of the most convincing character. ♦ • • The strength of the army will be maintained above 150,000 until Congress meets, but in the meantime, unless unexpected international complications occur, about 100,000 volunteers will be mustered out of service, the reduction process commencing at once and progressing as rapidly as possible with a view to its completion before Oct. 1. * * • In reply to an inquirer, 1 would say that S3OO or S4OO would be of no consequence in Rprto liico. No one should emigrate there unless lie makes arrangements in advance for employment or has a sufficient amount, of capital to buy a plantation or establish himself in business. • • * The commissioner of internal revenue has held that certificates of membership in wheelmen's protective associations are required to have affixed to them revenue stamps at the rate of ceDt on each dollar or fraction thereof of premium paid. * * * President McKinley will be the guest of the Omahn exposition during the peace jubilee, which will be a feature early in October.