CHAPTER X.The Preparation Of The Army.
When one compares the conditions under which the Spanish American War was fought with those of the Great War, he feels himself living in a different age.

Twenty years ago hysteria and sudden panics swept the nation.

Cheers and waving handkerchiefs and laughing girls sped the troops on their way.

It cannot be denied that the most popular song of the war time was "There'll be a hot time in the old town to-night," though it may be believed that the energy and swing of the music rather than the words made it so.

The atmosphere of the country was one of a great national picnic where each one was expected to carry his own lunch.