PERFIDE ALBION!

Evening Star, Issue 11452, 21 January 1901, Page 7

PERFIDE ALBION!

In discussing the Bill for the increase of the Davy in the Frenoh Senate on the 4th of December last, M. Combes advocated the building of mora cruisers. Geieral Mercier,,. said that . the objact w bo kept in view, was. the ability to take the offensive, whether tSe conflict were by sea or land, 'so that Instantly war was declared the' enemy might be attacked and compelled to fight under conditions chosen by oneself. The measure, did not take siifrleieht aecountof this. In the undesirable event of war wish England, France should aim at effecting a landing on the other, side of the Channel. Modern genius had rendered this far easier than formerly. Great Britain's experience in the Transvaal had shown her that her army was no longep.. up- to- her expectations. As to the British fleet, it was undoubtedly powerful, and give to France's eventual adversary commarid of the sea. It had, world-wide obligations. The apeakerwenton to refer toFrench superiority in guns and crews, and, reverting to the British army, alluded to the apprehensions which had been voiced concerning it in England. If the possibility'of invading England, in principle, were admitted practical, the means of effioting it could also be discussed. The General suggested a scheme he had drawn for the invasion of England while in command of the Army Corps, which might serve as a basis for a, plan whieh would entail but little eipenie. The General then proceeded to move a supplementary clause to the effect that the Government should make all necessary preparations to embark and disembark as rapidly as possible sh expeditionary corps ; but at thi» point he was ruled out of order v and tha House rose amid general applause;