FRANCE & ENGLAND ON THE SEA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2236, 6 November 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

FRANCE & ENGLAND ON THE SEA.

The San Francisco Call says : — "Prance is coming to the front as a rival of England in steam navigation The new French liner La Bourgogne has made her trial trip across tho Atlantic, and, comparing her passage with that of the Etruria, tho crack Cunarder, making allowance for difference in sailing distances, the French ship is only five and ft-half hours behind the English. The officers of La Bonrgogne say that sho will completely eclipse her initial performances when her engines get into letter working order. La Bonrgogne is ao built and fitted that she can be converted into a war vessel at short notice. Many English steamers arc so imiK, and the adoption of a system of (Government subsidy conditioned on like construction is now agitated in this country. It would result in ft ' naval-militia ' ready for quick conversion to warlike purposes. " France has never lagged behind in naval design and construction. Even when England was sweeping the French navy from the seas in the early part of this century, it was admitted that French hulls were as good models -is wore tho j c of England. The English were the better riggers and sailors by natuie and training. There has always been a suspicion aindng naval experts that the introduction of steam, ironclads, &c, threatened British naval supremacy. The reduction of naval warfare to a scientific problem tended to put the French matelot on an equal footing with the dashing Britl-h tar. There may be reasons for the suspicion. Sir Edwin Reed, the noted English naval constructor, in a recent magazine article compared British and French iron clada, to the disadvantage of the former. Tho French fleet presses closely upon that oi England in s'ze and efficiency. France lacks the eo^o'iial system of England to foster her mercantile marine, but she is reaching out with her steam lines for the trade of the world, and improving her ships and maritime methods. So far a-3 war vessels are concerned, the attention of England lias been aroused to the advances made by her Continental neglibour, which may result in improving her own fleet. If La Boiraogno and her s'ster ships of the French line yet to be launched break the record for merchant steamer:*, there will be additional reason for Britannia to look to her laurels. Meantime, the United States seems content to watch the race for naval and com, mercial supremacy without taking any part therein.