NAVAL PLATTSBURG POSSIBLE

It is expected that Rear Admiral Nathaniel R. Usher, U. S. N., commanding the Third Naval District, which comprises the coast territory from New London to Barnegat, will announce within the next week the establishment of a camp for the training of the men of the Naval Reserve. If such a camp is organized it will be composed of all those men who have enrolled in the Reserve since the outbreak of war who are not at present in active duty. A course of intensive training, lasting four weeks, has been mapped out, with 11 or 12 hours of work allotted for each day. By this means it is hoped that before the middle of July the navy will have been re-enforced by 5,000 men who will be able to serve as officers and seamen on vessels of the submarine chasing, mine laying, and patrol fleets.

A statement given out from the headquarters of the Third District indicates that for that district alone at least 500 vessels, manned by 10,000 men, will be needed. A corresponding number will be needed in the other districts of the country.

The men who are required will serve as gunners-mates, boatswains'-mates, quartermasters, seamen, engineers, electricians, machinists, riggers, blacksmiths, coppersmiths, riveters, ship-carpenters, firemen, coal passers, cooks, stewards, radio operators, and in many other capacities in coast and off-shore duty, whereby men of the regular navy may be relieved for duties abroad.

More boats of various character, from small motor boats for inshore work to steam yachts for heavier work, are needed for the patrol of the third district.