European Navies.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8604, 8 March 1897, Page 2

European Navies.

GERMANY AND GREAT BRITAIN

(Per Press Association.)

Beelin, March 6

Vice-Admiral Kellmann, Secretary to the Admiralty, has submitted to the Imperial Budget Committee proposals for the construction, within three years, of five battle ships, six cruisers, three gunboats, and thirty-six torpedo boats, at a cost of ten millions, besides seven millions already voted.

This enormous demand stupefied the Committee, which adjourned the consideration of the question.

Loxdon, March G,

Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Charles Dilke said there were too few battle ships proposed under the navy estimates. In view of the increase in the French and Russian fleets, it was imperative that England should outbuild the others, owing to the colonial ambitions of the Powers.

Mr Goschen, in reply, said another six thousand men would be added in 1898, while the maximum active list required one hundred and ten thousand men. It was intended to largely develop the reserves so that, in the event of war with any two Powers, Great Britain would be distinctly superior both in number and the quality of the ships.