THE FAR EAST.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9984, 14 March 1898, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

BRITISH NAVY ESTIMATES.

SPEECH BY MR GOSCHEN.

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright. Received March 12th, 9.45 a.ni. London, March 11. Mr Goschen, in introducing the Naval Estimates in the House of Commons, appealed to the operatives and manufacturers to co-operate in repairing arrears, aud then peace Would bs crowned with honour, or if war should take place would be crowned with victory for Great Britain. Lord Charles Beresford said that Great Britain ought to seize the island of Chusan, off the coast of China. Mr Go3chen's speech was favourably received on all hands, though it is contended that, in framing the Naval Estimates, *the Government did not take into account the immense naval expenditure by Russia. Mr Goschen asked for a total vote of £25,555,000 for the navy, ans in doing so, said that great progress has been made in the work of increasing the strength and efficiency of the navy, though the ideal has not yet been reached. The estimates are based upon the needs of the Empire, and the possibilities of naval construction. Two hundred and. fifty-eight ships have been placed in commission, a_d are manned by 50,800 men. Great Britain had squadrons in foreign waters, where other nations only had isolated ships. The Admiralty was prepared for any contingencies, and was constructing eighty-four vessels at a costof £23,000,000. If the times became darker the Government would appeal to the patriotism of the nation to allow the Admiralty to do its duty unhampered. Timid enquiries have been made as to whether it was the intention to reinforce the British fleets at particular* points, and he replied that cruisers would be carefully distributed for the protection of the trade routes, especially in connection with the food supplies of Great Britain. The Admiralty was prepared to expend two and a half millions in purchasing warships now being built in England for foreign nations, but none was found suitable. Received March 13th, 5.30 p.m. Pekin, March 12. The issue of the Chinese loan has been postponed till the 21st inst. St. Petersburg, March 12. - -,' The £14,000,000 required under therecent Imperial ukase, for the struction of warships, will be taken from the reserve of the Russian Treasury.