ber 15, 1900; and president of the naval examining and retiring boards, July 21, 1902.
Admiral Watson is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States; the Kentucky Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; the Aztec Society; the Associated Veterans of Farragut's Fleet, and the Military Society of Foreign Wars. He has been Commander of the California Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States; and in 1904 he held the vice-commandership of the Military Society of Foreign Wars. He is an elder in the Presbyterian church. He has found the following books most helpful in fitting him for his life-work; the Bible; "Professional Recollections" by Captain Francis Liardet, R. N.; "Totten's Naval Text Book" by Commander B. I. Totten, United States navy; international law and the lives of distinguished officers. As exercise he most enjoys riding and croquet.
It was his personal preference which determined his choice of the naval profession. His career proves the wisdom of his early choice. His talents, his industry, his high principle and his thorough education have combined to make his life-work useful to his country. He names as one of the mainsprings of action in his life the desire to please, first of all his mother, and also the general desire to win approval and gain affection and admiration. His love of home was very strong, and he places it first among the influences which reacted with power upon his life. Farragut as flag-officer and admiral had a very strong influence in shaping the character of his flag-lieutenant Watson. Where he failed to do more for the navy, Admiral Watson says, it has been for the reason that he was too fond of agreeable and congenial company.
From his long observation and varied experience on land and sea, Admiral Watson is especially qualified to speak to young men. When such a commander gives as practical suggestions, the maxims which have been the working principles of his own life, true patriots and ambitious young men will do well to listen. Highest of all he places "righteousness;" and he gives as "test questions" for any proposed course of action: "Is it right as regards others? Is it right as regards myself?" "Begin, continue and end each day with the prayerful consideration of some helpful verse or text from the Bible," he says; and "resist most stubbornly all habits which tend to encourage the doing of anything without proper care. Form the
