COMMAND OF THE SEA.

Mataura Ensign, 18 March 1909, Page 3

COMMAND OF THE SEA.

■ ♦ BRITAIN'S NAVAL ESTIMATES, yiEWS OF PBEis AND PEOPLE. M ELECIBIC TELEGBATH — CuMFIOHT. FIB UNITED FBESS ASSOCIATION. Heceived March lb. 5.'.50 a.m. LONDON, March 17. Xhd debate ou the Naval ilbtimates has orcated a profound sensation througbottt the country Tho 'Daily Nsws' reluctantly supports the Batimates, and argues that tuo cutouts between Great Britain, France, ■pH Russia dominates tho European situation and explains Germany's fears. "Meanwhile," the paper continues, "tho disastrous competition means to ns an increase in taxation which is possibly beggaring social reform." The 'Chionicle' declares that ihe ques tion is no longo;- one whether Minister* are justified in proposing so much, but rather whether they are justified in not proposing more. Tho "Times' noteb Mr Asijuith's renewed pledge and hints that this may ultimately entail enlarging tho present Estimates. The papor adds, "German dockyards and lactones are working Bight and day, and the Government iu tome cases is paying 25 per cent, above the original estimate." WATCHING GEKMANY. Received March 18, 8.30 a.m. LONDON, March 17. The 'Westminster Gazette,' referring to the Naval Estimates, states that tho UeTßrnment'fl frank statement that Germany's acceleration iu the speed of building Dreadnoughts will ensuro a unanimity of supporters here. Tho "Pall Mall Gazette' says that Austria is laying down Dreadnoughts, and Austria's navy of tho future must be reckoned as partly German.