THE BRITISH NAVY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8665, 14 December 1893, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

AGITATION FOR ITS INCREASE. A VOTE OF EIGHT MILLIONS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. London, December 13. The Timestaja the Government next session will announce a large shipbuilding programme. After a heated discussion the Cabinet has decided to spend eight millions on the Navy. The agitation for an increase iv the Navy continues. A great meeting of merchants, baukers, and all classes of the public, convened by the Chamber of Commerce, has been held in London, Mr Pettit presiding. A resolution was carried urging the Government to take immediate steps to ensure the naval supremacy of Great Britain irrespective of cost. The proceedings were characterised by great enthusiasm. In the House of Commons, Lord George Hamiitou, First Lord of the Admiralty iv the Salisbury administration, has tabled a motion containing the subject matter of the resolution. Lord Roberts declares that ou the efficiency of the Army depends British supremacy. The St. Jdtrtes's Gazette states it ia expected that the Admiralty will expend the sum of £6,000,000 sterling ia the construction of vessels of the Royal Sovereign class, though on an improved scale. In the Cabinet Mr Gladstone and Sir W. V. Harcourt reluctantly supported the vote for the increase of the Navy. Earl Spencer, First Lord of the Admiralty, declared that the question was one requiring immediate action. Tbe Rt. Hon. A. J. Balfour supports Lord Geo. Hamilton's motion.