Evening star., 1937-05-23

began 1t would be Of no service in
that war unless the conflict lasted at
least four years. In order to be sure
to keep 'em off, we must have our
ships ready when the war begins.
Built Ships in Theory.
Twenty years having elapsed since
We built battleship, the experts
might be a little rusty. But they
have kept in touch with developments,
have kept on building battleships in
theory and experimenting with models
in tanks.
Within the battleships steel sides
are works as delicate as those of the
most costly watch. All the latest
products of applied science and me-
chanical invention are studied in the
combination Of the parts in lghtness
and strength of material which will
occupy the smallest space.
Utility is the watchword in anything
from the size OF a needle to turret.
From keel to top, from fire control to
the guns which answer its command,
no flaw in material may escape the
inspectorial eye.
Ranks Next to Secretary.
In the Washington headquarters
where officers are not in uniform, the
Navy has the aspect Of a civil ma
chine, anonymously manned. The
| Office of the chief Of operations Is
next to that Of the Secretary of the
| Navy, his superior under the President
The great executive responsibility Is
on the chief Of operations as the pro.
fessional boss OF this highly technica
world. And operations include all thu
billions of dollars Of property, thu
navy yards, the repair shops, the sup.
ply stations from Pensacola and Guam
tanamo to Hawaii-all directed toware
the fleets strength and efficiency a
sea.
The first concern of a civilian whit
finds himself on a major ship while
she is at sea Is how to keep out o.
the way of those in uniform. He il
as much Of an outsider as though
he found himself on the stage in ,
play in which he had no part. Blu
he is seeing what those who come OF
board on visiting days cannot see.
At first he thinks, What a life
There may have been some romanc'
in it in the old days. But now? Yo'
are shut up night and day in thes'
steel walls. There is no eScapin,
shop Live in it long and you vii
become q piece Of mechanism your
self"
| But remember that no youth Is s.
fond OF machinery as the American
Here he is in the superlative wonde
world Of machinery, in which metalli
fingers and great guns move electri
cally in answer to the touch. He like
competition, especially in sport. 1t !
gun crew against gun crew, shi
against ship, ship and plane squadron
against other squadrons. There ar
ship, squadron and fleet champion
ships in athletics as we'll as in navs
skill. If you want to see boxing Il
earnest for the honor Of each man
ship, see the naval fights.
Entertainment Provided.
Washing clothes, keeping the shi
clean and shining bright work are dis
agreeable grinds. but, on the who'll
industry is promoted by making wor
q sport. Entertainment IS provide
on board, where shop Is home, !
place Of the relaxation for the ret
of us whose homes are away froz
shop.
After you have been on board fc
a while you get the spell OF that un
ceasing, tireless game. You look FOL
ward to the tests Of target and battl
practice and fleet maneuvers as tn
, base ball fan does to the world serie
, And here IS all the fleet at sea-mor
than = hundred ships, not to mentio
the planes, representing = cost
more than q billion dollars-all undt
the one-man rule of Admiral Arthr
]. Hepburn. But you do not think
him 20 much by name IS you do
the commander in chief. All the ir
visible ships and planes are In
! Continued on Pags DAY