To make the number yet
larger, the Government has called upon all owners of large steamers and
steam yachts to give information of the size and strength of their
vessels, so that they can be added to the reserve list.
There should be a good many available vessels among the many fine yachts
that sail our waters. We are as a nation extremely fond of yachting, and
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.
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