The Navy.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 20, 23 January 1914, Page 5

The Navy.

ADMIRALTY'S ESTIMATES. NEWSPAPER COMMENT. [By HiLeotrio telegraph—CopyrightJ Times—Sydney Sun Special Cables. (Received 8 a.in.) London, January 22. The Times, in a leader, says: li the .Government found it necessary in the circumstances of last year to lorecjfcst a programme of four capital ships, there is assuredly nothing in the progress of European armaments to suggest prudence in revising the foreleast in the sense that we desire to bo pacificists. If a revision ho necessary, and we believe it is, it is in its other souse.

The Daily Mail says it is practically certain that Mr Churchill's Estimates will he carried in the Council. Sir Edward Grey (Foreign Secretary), Colonel Seely (Secretary for War), Viscount Haldane (Lord Chancellor), and Mr McKenna (Homo Secretary), are supporting them. It is understood Mr Churchill desires seven Dreadnoughts, the three extra being to replace those forthcoming from Canada. [United Press Association.]

The Chronicle states it is undeniable that the Navy Estimates have created a difficult financial problem. Mr Churchill had spent money with a lavish profusion. The actual expenditure exceeded last year’s provision by nearly four millions.

DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

London, January 22

Speaking at Bermondsey, Mr Sydney Buxton said that the Government have asked for large sums for the navy, but the Government must ensure the absolute security, of our shores, and must maintain the sixty per cent, margin. Mr H. Bike Pease (Unionist M.P.), speaking at Huddersfield, said the Unionists must eliminate party feelings and stand behind Mr Churchill on the navy question. Mr A. H. Lee (Unionist M.P.), speaking at Gosport, said that if Mr Churchill stands firm, then, even if a hundred Radical members of Parliament belonging to the Suicide Club could make good the rest of the vote against him, there would be 280 Uhiouists on his side.