BRITISH DEFENCES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2473, 17 May 1888, Page 2

BRITISH DEFENCES.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Coprioht.)

London, May 14. Ix the House of Lords to-day, Lord Wolseley admitted that the Hon. Mr Stanhope had during his administration much improved the condition of the defences of the country, although, in his opinion, the defence system was still unsatisfactory, both at home and abroad, and he was unable to guarantee the safety of London in the event of an attack. Lord Wolseley regretted that the expression of his opinion as to the defcictiveness of the defence of the country should have brought on him the censure of the Premier, and said ho was prepared to tender his resignation to the War Office.

Lord Salisbury, in reply said he felt bound to adhere to his former remarks as to the impropriety of Lord Wolseley's action in expressing the opinions he did on sucli a grave subject in an after-dinner speed),but he added that the Government would regard his retirement as a great blow to the service. He further promised that Lord Wolseley's statements as to the inefficiency and defcctiveness of defences should receive the careful consideration o£ the Government. A great meeting is being arranged to take place in the city on the sth June, to protest against the inadequacy of the defences. A committee has been appointed to report on the quantity and condition of military stores and material.

The Continental Press approves of the steps taken by England to place her defences and army in a proper condition. May 14. Lieutenttnt-General Sir Andrew Clarke, G. 8., formerly Inspec-tor-General of fortifications, de precates the panic which has arisen over the defence system, lie maintains that the defences an; now stronger than they have been for years. Sir Andrew warmly eulogises the efforts of colonists to secure the defence of the empire, and urges the completion of the defence of all the coaling stations which are already well in hand, and insists that they should be immediately garrisoned and kept in readiness for war.

Sir Chas. Dilke in a inanazine article contends that the real danger to be feared, is that Russia and France may attack England, and states that both powers are building an enormous number of fast crusiers, which, should they, in the event of war, operate against England, would cripple the trade of the country.