"So popular is the naval service the only embarrassment is that men volunteer so rapidly we have to work overtime to give them hardy, adequate housing and proper training"

During a time of heightened national interest in military service, Josephus Daniels reflects on the remarkable surge of enthusiasm for the naval forces. His words paint a vivid picture of overwhelming public fervor, where the allure of the navy is so potent that the rate of enlistment exceeds the institution’s ability to immediately accommodate its new recruits. The term “embarrassment” here is not a negative admission of failure but rather a modest, somewhat ironic acknowledgment that the demand to serve has outpaced logistical supply, the problem is one of abundance, not shortage.

Daniels’ portrayal of this phenomenon is imbued with national pride and a sense of collective purpose. It emphasizes the pull of patriotic duty and the appeal of naval service during what is likely a period of national conflict or preparation for war. Rather than struggling to attract new members, the navy faces the practical challenge of providing enough “hardy, adequate housing” and ensuring that “proper training” is carried out efficiently for all the volunteers. These thoughts reveal both respect for the eagerness of the volunteers and a commitment to their welfare and preparedness.

The urgency to “work overtime” underscores the navy’s responsibility to uphold standards amidst the rapid influx. It suggests a balancing act: welcoming the patriotic zeal of so many men while also safeguarding the effectiveness and readiness of the naval force through sufficient infrastructure and rigorous instruction. Daniels is ultimately celebrating a moment of unity and dedication among citizens while bringing to light the practical consequences of mass enlistment, showing that the military’s role is not only to fight, but also to care for and cultivate those who serve. The underlying optimism in his words reflects confidence in both the character of the volunteers and the ability of the institution to rise to the occasion, turning a logistical challenge into a testament of national spirit.