Rags, Bones, Battleships?

France finally ratified the Washington Naval Disarmament Pact. As a result the Navy Department has some 20 odd war vessels to dispose of as junk.

Although it was not advisable to carry out the provisions of the Treaty prior to its ratification by all the contracting parties, both Great Britain and the United States have taken steps in that direction. Some time ago the Navy Department dismantled six more or less obsolete vessels of such material as could be utilized elsewhere. Several other ships were partially dismantled, and operations were suspended on those being built.

Now that all the signatories--the United States, Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan -- have formally accepted the treaty, Theodore Roosevelt, Acting Secretary of the Navy, called a conference of navy yard officials. It was decided to offer 21 vessels--six battle cruisers and fifteen battleships--for sale and scrapping, sealed bids to be submitted. Old ships will be offered as and where is. Ships being built in private yards will be offered on the stocks in present condition. Ships being built in Government yards will be offered on the stocks, or broken up and F. 0. B. for shipping.

In all, 26 vessels must be disposed of. Of this number two will be converted to noncombatant uses and a few more will be used for target practice.