Hawaii mistrusts Japan, and fears that she will do something to prevent
annexation unless our Government is prompt.

It is rumored in Washington that Japan and Spain are forming an alliance
to embarrass the United States in her dealings with both Hawaii and
Cuba.

It is felt that speedy action may be the best thing to prevent
complications.

The Government is seriously considering the advisability of sending
another ship to Honolulu. It is possible that the battleship _Oregon_
and the gunboat _Concord_ may both be sent to Hawaii.

The Navy Department realizes that annexation will necessitate a largely
increased navy, and Secretary Long will ask Congress to arrange for the
building of more cruisers and torpedo-boats.

* * * * *

On the occasion of the British naval review at Spithead, an illustration
was given of the short time it takes to turn a merchant vessel into an
armed cruiser.

England, despite her large navy, often has use for more ships than she
possesses.

To meet this demand she has placed a certain number of merchant vessels
on her Naval Reserve list. By this arrangement the Government has the
right to call out any of these ships when she has need for them.