THE BRITISH NAVY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13831, 19 February 1907, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

LORD CHARLES BERESFORD AND THE CHANNEL FLEET.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

NEW YORK, February 17. Lord Charles Beresford has reached New York. Tlio Herald states that Admiral Beresford refused the command of the Channel fleet unless certain modifications were made. The Admiralty approved of these modifications, and lie then accepted the command.

There is no ptiblio man in the British Isles who is moro genuinely popular than I/ord Charles Beresford; but, at the same time, it is very doubtful whether his real capacity and truo disposition arc generally understood. Most of his countrymen look upon him as tho typo of the. Rcmiinc dashing sailor, ready to face- any emergency, and possessed of that splendid courage which is traditionally hold to be tho distinguishing feature of tho Anglo-Saxon and Celtic races. This view of his character is quite correct; lmt much more lie 3 behind Ho is in all respects a far moro sorious-mindod man, and a deeper thinker and harder worker than his lively manner and his good-humoured half-bantering conversation would lead the ordinary observor to credit. Ho is about 60 years of age, and W of these years have been spent by him in unceasing worTc eithor in the navy or tho Houso of Commons.