DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12680, 27 October 1909, Page 3

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

THE CANADIAN CRUISERS.

PROPOSED INTERCHANGE WITH BRITISH VESSELS. [Pekss Association— Copshight.] (Received Oct 26, 9.10 p.m.) London, Oct 26. "Tie Homes' " Ottawa, correspondent reports thai t&us .Government propose that the Canadian warships should be interchangeable with British ves--sols. If the three Canadian cruisers on the Atlantic coast were attached for trainin%'ito the British Home fleet three of the British cruisers would replace the Canadian vessels at headquarters at Esquimalt. Similarly there would be an exchange with ships of the Eastern fleet. , The proposal lessons the objections of Canadians who criticise the creation of a baby fleet instead of co-op-eration in a great Imperial fleet. The correspondent _ adds that_ if Britain can loan a. cruiser for training purposes in, time to reach Halifax by the spring, Mr Brodeur proposes to in•vito'the educational institutions tonominate picked boys who will begin a few months' preliminary training before they are askod to enter for a qualifying examination.