Hurrying Their Preparations.
We see at the present time on all hands a feverish preparation for expected conflict, and a great part of the genius of the day is busy with the construction of the implements of war. Germany is seeking to enlarge her fleet as rapidly as possible, her ultimate design being to equal that of England. England is planning so to add to her fleet that Germany will not be able to do this. France and Italy go on industriously increasing their navies, and the eye of the United States is on them all, especially Germany. Those who are commissioned to look after the navy of the United States are planning that it shall not be left behind in the race. Each desires that its navy shall be either better or bigger than any other, and there is a feverish haste on the part of each to bring it into that condition. A London despatch states that “owing to the increase of Germany’s Baltic and North Sea naval power, the British Government has decided to largely strengthen the home fleet. Admiral Wilson will command the latter and Admiral Beresford the Channel Squadron. The House of Representatives at Washington has passed the naval bill, one provision of which gives the secretary of the navy authority to spend half a million dollars on submarine vessels; and in order that there may be no collusion in bidding and no delay in building, the bill directs that the warships planned may be constructed in the navy yards if there is reason to believe collusion exists. The threat of government construction serves also as a whip to hasten construction by the firms taking the contracts. The President has added his influence in the matter of quick construction by personal inquiries for the reasons of delay. He is said to be favoring a plan for the construction of four battle-ships each year until the fleet is brought to the standard of the other powers. He is displeased over the showing of the gunners in target practise, and orders have now gone out to the commanders of the different squadrons to take up systematic target practise and continue it for several months. A new type of submarine boat is now being given practical tests under the direction of government experts. This gives but a mere hint of the work now being done in the countries of the world for the immediate and constant increase of their navies. The same zeal is manifest in the preparations of the armies; and the indications now are that it will not be long before there is ample opportunity to put all these preparations to the test in actual conflict.