SHIPPING: Wood and Flames

One of the great stories of the Trojan War was the wooden horse. One of the best stories of the World War was the wooden ships. Now their weather-worn hulks are lying in profitless decay.

The Shipping Board wanted to dispose of them on any terms. The Western Marine and Salvage Co. came forward with an offer. On the calm waters of the River James, lay 218 ships, the pride of the U. S. wooden navy, built at a cost of $235 million. The Salvage Co. has taken an option on the entire lot. Ten are to be burned. If the iron and copper salvaged from the ashes repay the effort, the whole fleet will be bought for $262,000.

The ships are being towed to the Potomac, off Tidewater Virginia. When practical, they will be drawn up on shore; when not, they will be left afloat. Oil, $25,000 worth, will drench their frames. And the flames, leaping and licking, will devour their oaken bodies in the last great lustration of a war gone by.