at this earnest tribute to their principles, which were at
first laughed at and then pitied, but triumphed in the days of the
mobilization.

The army is increased to many times its ordinary strength by the
mobilization. It draws from everywhere millions of soldiers, workmen,
horses, wagons, and other material. The entire railway service is at its
disposal. The mobilization of the fleet goes on more quietly and less
conspicuously, but not less orderly and smoothly. Indeed, it is, even in
peace times, practically mobilized as to its greatest and strongest
units. For this reason its transports are smaller than those of the
army; they are concentrated in a few harbors, and, therefore, do not
attract so much public attention. The naval transports, working
according to plans in connection with those of the army, have moved
their quotas of men and materials with the most punctual exactitude. The
naval reserve of fully trained officers and men is practically
inexhaustible. The faithful work of our shipbuilding concerns, carried
on uninterruptedly day and night under plans carefully prepared in time
of peace, has wrought for our navy a strong increase in powerful
warships.

As is known, the German fleet is built on the so-called
"assumption-of-risk" plan. That is, it is intended that it shall be so
strong that even the strongest sea power, in a conflict with the
Germans, risks forfeiting its former role as a world factor. This "risk"
idea has been hammered into the heart of every German seaman, and they
are all eager to win for the fleet such glory that it can be favorably
contrasted with the deeds of the old and the new armies.

Contrary to general expectation, the German fleet has taken the
offensive, and the first loss of the war was on the English side and in
English waters, the English cruiser Amphion running on to German mines
in the mouth of the Thames. In the Baltic and the Mediterranean also
German ships have taken the offensive against the enemies' coast, as is
shown by the bombardment by the Germans of the war harbor of Libau and
of fortified landing places on the Algerian coast.

Thus the fleet, confiding in the "risk" idea now proved to be true, and
in its earnest and courageous spirit, may look forward with confidence
to coming events.

But will not civilians have to hunger and thirst in these days? That is
an earnest question. The answer is, No. Even in Berlin, city of
millions, the milk supply did not fail