As regards finding out what the plans of the War Department were, the task was simple.

They had no plans.

Even during the final months before the outbreak of hostilities very little was done in the way of efficient preparation.

On one occasion, when every one knew that the declaration of war was sure to come in a few days, I went on military business to the office of one of the highest line generals of the army, a man who at that moment ought to have been working eighteen hours out of the twenty-four on the vital problems ahead of him.

What he was actually doing was trying on a new type of smart-looking uniform on certain enlisted men; and he called me in to ask my advice as to the position of the pockets in the blouse, with a view to making it look attractive.