THE STATE OF THE NAVY.

Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 129, 15 October 1886, Page 2

THE STATE OF THE NAVY.

The gallant commander of the Condor has apparently fluttered offioial circles at Home by disregarding official routine, as he has done more serious obstacles, and speaking out boldly, although he is a Junior Lord of the Admiralty. When his appointment to this position was announced, great hopes of good arising from liis professional knowledge and zeal being brought to bear on the policy ot the Admiralty were freely expressed by the English pross, but these were somowhat damped by a semi-offioial announcement that as_ a Junior Lord he would have as little to do with the naval policy of the administration as one of the Junior Lords of the Treasury has to do with tho financial policy, Lord Charles Beresford's official duties being of a routine character, and consisting ohiefly of checking victualling accounts. This was a great disappointment, bnt it seems that his Lordship is not at all disposed to confine himself —as according to official traditions he should do— to the duties of a kind of under-secretary. He possesses special knowledge in naval matters, and with characteristic onergy and determination he has resolved to bring this special knowledge to bear in pointing out, and, if possible, remedying defects' in our naval system. He has, it seems, addressed a somewhat startling memorandum to his colleagues on the Admiralty Board, pointing out that our Navy is insufficiently manned, badly supplied with ooal, not adapted for united action, and defioient in the necessary means of procuring intelligence, and without any clear idea of what should be done if called on for service. These are serious assertions. Somewhat similar statements were made upwards of a year ago in the Pall Mall Gazette under the title of "The Truth about the Nayy — by One who Knows." These statements produced a sensation at the time ; tho facts could not be denied, and large votes were taken for improving certain defects. Whether this article was written by Lord Charles Beresford or not, we cannot of course say, but evidently the writer understoodhis subject. It must now also be apparent that Lord Charles Beresf ord, not only from practical experience afloat, but from his present official position affording him access to the fullest and most reliable information, must be accepted as a reliable authority. No doubt the statements made will excite serious attention at Home, and we hopo will produce good effects.