LECTURE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1773, 7 August 1888, Page 3

LECTURE.

THE TERORNTPNtRY OF THE SPANISH ARMADA.

On Friday evening, as already reported, the Rev. E. I). Cecil lectured in ths Volunteer Hall on The Tercentenary of the Spanish Armada. _ The Rev, T. A. Hamilton occupied the chair, and in introducing the lecturer expressed his regret that there was but a moderate attendance. It appeared to him, and he had no hesitation in saying it, that the present age was one of mere animalism. Peopl-J would go to almost any lengths to gratify mere selfish desires, but would not deny themselves anything for a good purpose, or for the encouragement of anything like intellectual pursuits. The Chairman then intimated that before the lecture was proceeded with the choir would sing the national songs. “ God Save Victoria ” was then sung, Mrs Rout taking the solo. This was followed by “Hearts of Oak,” sung by Miss Ladbrooke. Both items were applauded. The Rev. E, D. Cecil said that before proceeding with the narrative of the sailing and defeat of the Spanish Armada, it would be necessary for him to briefly trace the position of affairs in Europe, and the various causes which led to its despatch. Spain at the time of Elizabeth was the most powerful nation in the world. She had gradually been climbing tbe hill of national greatness. Portugal had lately been added to her dominions, Her commerce extended to the East and West Indies, and wealth was literally pouring in. The reigning house was in intimate alliance with Austria, and also with Italy and the Pope, and every thing was apparently favorable for a descent upon England, upon whose subjugationPhilipof Spain had set his heart. England at this time was only in its germ. Her population only numbered some 5 millions. Scotland was independent, Ireland only held by force, and the American colonies were only just starled. As a maritime nation, however, England was just coming into note. Her hardy seamen were scouring the seas in every direction. Drake, Hawkins, Frobisher, Davis, Raleigh and Howard were already becoming celebrated, and the nation had confidence in them. The lecturer here gave several instances of the intrepidity of the seamen of those days, notably the gallant action of Sir Richard Grenville, who in a small vessel, the Revenge, successfully sustained the attack of 53 Spanish vessels. Practically, the lecturer went on to say, the fate of England as regarded tbe Spanish Armada depended upon this race of seamen, who numbered in all about 14,000. The preparations of the Armada went on for some time secretly, but eventually the news leaked out, and it was patent to England that something must be done at once. Drake had already greatly harassed the Spanish trade in the West Indies, “singeing the King of Spain’s beard,” as he termed it, but he determined to do more. With the utmost boldness he sailed with a small fleet into the port of Cadiz, where a number of the Spanish vessels were being fitted out, and destroyed about 100 of them. This delayed the sailing of the Armada for about a year, but Philip had no intention of relinquishing his project. In May, 1588, all was ready. For a time terror struck the hearts of a large portion of the English nation, and a compromise was talked of. This, however, was impossible, and the prospect of losing the liberties which the nation was just beginning to enjoy called forth all their energies. Under the advice of Raleigh, it was determined to make as much use as possible of their fleet. This was accordingly equipped, but, owing to Elizabeth’s parsimony, only indifferently well. Camps were also formed at various places, and means of communication arranged. In due course the Armada put to sea, but, encountering a severe storm in the Bay of Biscay, it had to return and refit. In July all was again ready, but a further delay occurred through the death of the two admirals appointed to the charge of the fleet. Eventually the Duke of Medina Sidoma took command, and tbe Armada, consisting of 130 vessels, with 27,000 men, and 2630 pieces of cannon, finally put to sea. Medina Sidoma was instructed not to engage the English fleet, but to form a communication withjthe Duke of Parma, who was ready with a large body of troops in the Netherlands to make a descent upon England. Hearing, however, that the English fleet had been recalled, the Spanish admiral sailed boldly up the Channel. His approach was observed by a privateer named Fleming, who carried the news to Plymouth, where it caused, at first, some consternation, which, however, was quickly allayed by the cool demeanor of Drake.

The lecturer then very graphically described the manner in which Lord Howard of Effingham, the English admiral, harassed the Spanish fleet, without allowing them to come to any general engagement, and traced their disastrous course through the Northern Seas, until their Anal return to Spain, in October, a crippled fleet of only 50 vessels. In conclusion, Mr Cecil pointed out the results that followed from the defeat of Philip’s “Invincible” Armada, and its effect upon the prosperity of England. In the course of the address “ Rule orit«ini»” was sung by Mrs Rout,

and “The Man-of-war” by the Rev. T. A. Hamiltoi . At the conclusion Mr Whitehead sang the “ Union Jack of Old England ” A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer and to the chair.