than any other one thing, for when material once
arrives in a European port it has been, and still is, a very difficult
matter to arrange for coastwise transportation.

[Sidenote: Creditable progress.]

(_d_) Taking into consideration the necessary scope of the project, the
difficulties inherent in providing for establishments on foreign soil,
and the delays which the magnitude of the undertakings caused in the
production and shipment of material (and personnel) from the United
States, the state of progress is considered highly creditable to Captain
Cone and to his assistants.

VI. Y.M.C.A. AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

[Sidenote: Y.M.C.A. activities.]

(_a_) It was satisfactory to note that in practically all cases--whether
our own naval facilities provided reading, writing, and amusement
facilities for the personnel or not--the Y.M.C.A. was in evidence.
Their arrangements were, in many places, all that could be expected in
the way of cheerful and comfortable quarters; and, in those places where
the facilities were not so good, inquiry usually revealed the fact that
a suitable building was either under way or soon would be.

[Sidenote: Knights of Columbus.]

(_b_) In at least one place the Knights of Columbus were found
established in a commodious building with all in readiness to duplicate
the character of the work generally associated with Y.M.C.A. activities.

(_c_) All assistance of this character, from whatever source, has been
gladly taken advantage of by the officers in charge, and is much used
and appreciated by the men.

VII. HOSPITAL FACILITIES, SICK QUARTERS, ETC.

[Sidenote: Excellent hospitals at naval bases.]

It is deemed worthy of note that the arrangements and facilities for
caring for the sick and injured Navy personnel are almost more than
ample. In many of the naval-base hospitals the majority of the patients
are, consequently, of other services--both the United States and the
allied. The provisions of the United States Navy in this respect are so
complete in their facilities and so efficient in their readiness as to
excite the admiration of all the foreign services, military as well as
naval.

[Sidenote: Hearty cooperation with British and French.]

As has already been said at the beginning of this report, cooperation
with the British and the French had been the chief method of work for
the United States naval forces in European waters. That cooperation has
been effected with