THE BRITISH NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 115, 12 June 1909, Page 6

THE BRITISH NAVY.

THE ENQUIRY. Writing .from Westminster under date 30th April, Jlr. Lucy says in the Sydney Morning Herald:—With characteristic promptitude the Prime Minister has already got his committee to work upon the enquiry into the condition of the navy. It met yesterday and spent nearly two hours on its business, a considerable additional tax upon the already overburdened duties of the Ministers engaged. Tile general satisfaction spread by the announcement of the appointment of the committee, isstrengtnened by consideration of its personnel. It would he difficult to get together for a similar investigation five men equal to Mr. Asquith, Sir Edward Grey. Lord Crewe, Mr. IfaMane, and Lord Mnrley. The Opposition vie with Ministerialists in expression of the opinion that the enquiry (will not only be thorough, but will be independent of all considerations beyond that of the efficiency of the navy, a problem with which is bound up the safety of the Empire. Regarded from a personal point of view, the conclusion arrived at is a triumph for Lord Charles BeresTord. After hammeringaway for three years, meeting the stubborn resistance of the Admiralty, he has at length driven the nail home. The (friction 'netween the First Sea Lord and the popular Admiral, occasionally bursting forth in Scandals such as that connected with the name of Sir Percy Scott, came to a head when Lord Charles received the knock-down blow of dismissal from his command before ibs full term was accomplished. That seemed to mark the end of him, and the I final victory of Sir John, commonly called "Jack," Fisher. But Lord Charles is not a person easily disposed of when lighting is l„ the fore. What appeared lo be his final downfall- proved to lie his signal triumph. I lie dearer to hiin as involving Ministerial action, which he is convinced will have tire eil'ect of delivering from long-impending damrer a service to which lie has given fifty years of his life, whose interests are j dearer to him tlnr.i his -own. 1