almost every wealthy man we have possesses a craft of some kind. Many of
these yachts are models of build and speed, and should make excellent
gunboats.

Some people have supposed that this inquiry into the ships available for
war service must mean that we are about to fight Spain, but they are
entirely mistaken. The Navy Department has realized that our navy is our
weakest point, and is doing its best to get it into such a fine
condition that we need not fear any foe either on land or sea.

There is an old proverb which says, "In times of peace prepare for war,"
and a very excellent proverb it is.

The Navy Department is also most anxious to secure more seamen to man
its vessels, and to that end is opening recruiting offices in Chicago
and throughout the West. We need more sailors and more officers to
properly fit out our navy, and the department is making earnest efforts
to secure them.

We are so short-handed at present that the cruiser _Philadelphia_,
returning from Hawaii, was obliged to transfer part of her officers and
crew to the _Baltimore_, which was to take her place at Honolulu. There
were not enough sailors available to man the _Baltimore_ without this
exchange.

* * * * *

It is said that the health of good old Oom Paul is failing, and that he
is not likely to live very long.