BRITISH POLITICS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 945, 24 January 1911, Page 4

BRITISH POLITICS.

London, Jan. 20. Colonel Seely, Unde’r-Secretary for lire Colonies, in speaking at Oldham, declared that the possession of sea power in the event of danger was Great Britain’s first consideration. Regarding the statement by the opponents of the Government that the Liberal majority was composed of a coalition, Colonel Seely declared that the latter was absolutely united on the main planks on which it fought. Wellington’s army was a coalition, and it defeated Napoleon. The Liberals must secure the predominance ol the expressed will of the people. [Apropos sea power, last month the New York Triouue announced that the Intelligence Office of the Navy Department at Washington had prepared its annual statement of the strength in warships of the principal countries of the world. This shows that in the past year Germany outdistanced all her competitors in the percentage of increase. The Tribune says:—“The Germany Navy made decided strides towards equality with the British Navy, although the ‘ scare ’ which Knglishmen received from Germany last winter and spring led them to adopt urgent measures.” According to the report of the Intelligence Office, the Germany navy gained in the past year nearly 20 per cent, in the total tonnage, while Great Britain gained 11 per cent. Germany completed and had under construction during the past year 354,145 tons, a gain of 143A53 tons. Great Britain had 515,488 tons, a gain of 167,965. The Tribune says that many experts believe that Germany’s remarkable gains in tonnage entitle her to second rank in the navies of the world, thus dropping America, which stood second, to third place.] The acceptance ot office as a Lord of the Treasury by Mr William Jones, M P. for Arfo, Carnarvonshire, will involve a byelection. Recounts have been ordered to be made in connection with election petitions lodged in regard to the following seats : St. Pancras West, where Mr Cassell (Unionist) defeated Sir William Collins (Liberal) by 3384 votes to 3376. West Bromwich, where Viscount Lowisham (Unionist) defeated Dr A. E. Hazel (Liberal) by 5046 votes to 5041.