Staff of the Army and the President of the General Board of the Navy, and I will ask for their expert opinion as to our preparedness for a conflict with the greatest military and second greatest naval power in the world."
Immediately upon their entrance the President said: "I have asked your attendance here, so that I may inform you that the Secretary of State has learned that the purchase of St. Thomas by Germany has been accomplished, and that the British Government has made it clear that, in the event of war over this violation of the 'Monroe Doctrine,' it can pledge itself only to an attitude of strict neutrality. The questions have arisen, first, as to whether Germany, in view of her defeat in the recent struggle, would be willing to risk another war; and, second, as to whether, if she did, our naval and military forces are in such a condition of strength and pre-
