England's Defence. OPINIONS OF EXPERTS.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 265, 19 May 1888, Page 4

England's Defence. OPINIONS OF EXPERTS.

London, May 14. Lieut.-General Sir Andrew Clarke, C.8., fonncily Inspector General of Fortifications, deprecates the panic which has aiisen over tlie defence system, lie maintains that the defences aio now stronger than they have been for years. »Sir Andrew warmly eulogises the cilbrt's of the colonies to secure the defence of the empire, and urges the completion of the defence of all coaling stations which are already well in hand, and insists that they should be immediately garrisoned and kept in readiness for war. Sir Charles Dilkc, in a magazine article, contends that the real danger to bo feared is that Kussia and France may attack England, and states that both Powers are building an enormous number of fust cruisers, which, should they in the event of war operate against England, would ciipple tiie trade of the country. Replying to Mr Laboucherc, in the House of Commons, Lord Chailea Keiesford said everyone in the Soudan felt graceful to Australia for assistance rendered to tlie Government by the New South Wales Soudan Contingent, und that the neccssaiy guns for the defence of coaling stations \vo\ikl bo : completed in three yeais. In fntiue I the 'Government intended to older nuns at the same time that oiclois weie given foi .sinps. The llou.se of Commons has agieed to the vote of placed on the navy estimates for the auxiliaiy squadton.' 'I he ships are to be completed by March, 1889.

London, May 10. The new war vessels to be constructed v\\\ be an improvement on the Archci's t3pe, and will be longer, heavier, faster, and better armed than the colonial conference expected. The '-Standard" defends LoidWolseley, and applauds him for his frank, plain statements, v>hich have left a profound and wholesome impiession on the country. The <l Daily Telegraph ;; urges that no outlay should be guulgcd to place the city of London mid the coast line in a thorough state of defence to ensure the safety of the Kingdom.