The average Briton who has a knowledge of how things are done on British men-of-war but who has never been sheard any U.S. war vessels would be surprised at the way quarters are fitted up. Just as the American navy are much better paid than the British navy, so are the officers and men given than has been customary in ¢i ier British _men-of-for the ships of any other navy in the world. What strikes the Briton on holiday in the United States is the uniqueness of the alluring advertising done by the Navy. Men are invited, not to join the Navy, but to take a holiday to the Orient, and outside the recruiting "offices there are highly-coloured posters portraying a day's shooting up the Yangtze or a motor drive over the beautiful road. in Manila leading up to Baguio. The reason for this of course, is that the pay of the type of man who would be likely to join the navy is so much greater in the United States than in any' other Jcountry—and this. precise factor in the situation renders it difficult for the American Navy to hold their men when they get them, On the Medusa the 15 warrant officers' cabins are elegantly fornished. There is a lounge for the crew, where they may receive their guests, read and write and 0 forth, and among the furniture are massive davenports and desks. very much better than I have ever seen on any other war vessel of any nation. 'They claim, and I do not doubt that this room is the first of its kind for the crew on a U.S.N. ship—or in any other navy, I'may add, Sixty-four chief petty' officers have cots to sleep in, and their quarters are furnished accordingly. The crew have hammocks for sleeping, and when they report for duty sailor is given a number which he places above his hammock. When one comes to the commanding officer's quarters, the scheme is luxury \f—reception room, stateroom, bath, offices, and emergency cabin. The furniture for this suite es massive mahogany, full length mirrors "and roomy wardrobes, ete., making for convenience and comfort that would make the average British commander of a navy vessel in the China squadron green with envy.
And as one goes down through the vessel in her other departments—the galleys, cold storage rooms, remarkably equipped kitchen ranges electrically fired, and so forth, he feels that the Americans certainly do know what they want, and spare no expense ing it." Indeed, in this Medusa there seems to have been no consideration of expense in any way, and T question whether there is a naval vessel afloat, no matter of what type, that is equipped a fifth as well' as this giant repair tender for the U.S. Pavific battle fleet, One cannot. think of any need but what has been though of and arranged for, and s0 tone finds special storerooms, frigerating spaces, lockers' and stowage cupboards for all sorts and conditions of commodities both for the work of the men and for their comfort when off watch, The Medusa certainly is the most complete repair ship in the world, and many navy experts will be me terested in her movements when she really gets into service.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.