This is not the first time that the _Columbia_ has been in trouble of
this kind; two years ago she collided with the _Wyanoke_, a coasting
steamer; in spite of the trying circumstances at that time, not a man
was lost on the sinking coaster, so perfect was the discipline on the
_Columbia_.

* * * * *

It is reported that the balloons recently received from Paris will be
sent forward with the first expedition to Cuba; arrangements for
equipping the balloon train are under charge of Lieut. Joseph E.
Maxfield of the Signal Service. It is reported that one of the French
balloons will be first given a careful test from the deck of one of the
war-ships off Cuba. The necessary plant for generating the gas is
already in Tampa; the gas will be forwarded in steel tubes, which will
hold a large volume when the gas is compressed.

* * * * *

It is now proposed to take the necessary apparatus to Cuba, and have
pictures of the bombardment of Havana and of other engagements made for
reproduction with the cinematograph. Dr. D. S. Elmendorf is now at
Tampa, Fla., making elaborate preparations for taking these pictures.
The cinematograph is a wonderful invention. By a clever arrangement
hundreds of photographs are taken, one after the other, with marvellous
rapidity; these pictures are printed on a long strip, and made to pass
through the magic lantern as rapidly as when the photographs were taken;
the result is a composite picture which, when thrown upon a screen,
reproduces every motion.