Off Vera Cruz, a squadron of American warships lies with the guns pointed shoreward. Along the Rio Grande, our army waits for the word that will send it over the border. "Watchful waiting" is almost at an end. What will be the result of our inevitable intervention?-Editor's Note.

A SMALL GUN THAT IS BIG ENOUGH FOR MOST WORK IN MEXICAN WATERS

With these guns staring him in the face at Vera Cruz, Carranza is not inclined to be impudent. Shells such as the ones these fourteen-inch monsters could send spinning into the Mexican port, have never been launched against any city on the American continent; but the Constitutional leader knows that they would reduce his city to a shattered heap of bricks within a short time. They are more powerful agents for preserving peace than all the protests and diplomatic 'conversations" in the world.

These gunners need only a word to start the most effective shooting done by any navy in the world.

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LEARNING WHAT TO DO WHEN THE STORM BREAKS Our soldiers often cut up the green lawns of our forts to acquire practice in availing themselves of trenches. They will be ready to fight like veterans, when the necessity arises.

If intervention becomes necessary, we may once more hear the regimental bands playing, as the transports slip out to

sea, bearing troops to Vera Cruz.

Companies such as this are kept in constant preparation for any trouble that might ensue. The soldierly bearing of these men completely refutes the slur upon our army that once was popular across the water, to the effect that our armed forces were slovenly and ragged. The American infantryman is now the best and most thoroughly equipped in the world, and easily the equal of any in fighting power, training, courage, and brains.

KEEPING IN TRIM

A cavalry squadron going through sabre drill. Our horsemen can hold their own, man for man, with any in the world. They can accomplish all we ask of them, so long as they are not asked to fight a foe more numerous than the forces of Mexico.

A battery of light artillery. Its guns are the best-designed in the world. They are made from a French pattern perfected after the French had committed themselves to their famous "seventy-fives".

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