Stead on the Navy.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 8, 22 February 1908, Page 41

Stead on the Navy.

Mr. Stead, who wrote in 1884 “The Truth About the Navy,” which he claims was mainly responsible for the rebuilding of the first line of defence, returns to the subject with vigour in the December “Review of Reviews.” “There is no question,” says Mr. Stead, “as to what John Bull will reply to the German programme, be it little or big. He will say that he is sorry, but if it must be so he cannot help himself. We are willing to maintain the status quo, either by reducing armaments or by arresting the increase of armaments. But if it ean be maintained in no other way, we are ready and resolved to maintain it by competition. We shall bring forward no imposing counter-programme. But when the Kaiser lays down one keel we lay down two. That is the formula of safety. We shall no more discuss it than a swimmer discusses the necessity of keeping his head above water. We shall simply do it because we have no alternative except that of suicide.” The London “Daily Mail” gives figures to show that Mr. Stead’s plan would involve Naval Estimates of £40.000,000. © © ©