The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-13 00:00:00

The Naval Review at Spithead.

The forthcoming naval review at Spithead on the
15th and two following days of next month will be
an event of national interest. Already preparations
are being made. Visitors are expected at Southsea
and the neighbourhood of Portsmouth from all
parts of England and from many continental loca-
lities. Varied rumours are afloat as to the pro-
posed arrangements, but as yet no programme has
been determined on. It may, however, be reason-
ably assumed that the squadron reviewed will com-
prise the Channel fleet, under the command of Ad-
mirals Yelverton and Warden, the ships doing
harbour and coastguard duty, and all gunboats that
can be got together—in short, all available vessels
on the home station—by the time specified. It is
rumoured at Portsmouth that the Victoria, screw
three-decker, late flag-ship on the Mediterranean
station, will take part in the review. The report is
probably correct, as orders have been received
directing that she be not dismantled as previously
announced. Much interest is attached to the fact
that the Victoria—a ship in splendid condition—is
the last of the three-deckers that will be commis-
sioned for active service. Two or three line-of-
battle ships would relieve the dull and unsightly ap-
pearance of an iron-clad squadron. It is further
rumoured that the Duncan, Captain Gibson, late
flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir James Hope, K.C.8.,
recently from the North America and West India
station, and now preparing to pay off at Sheerness,
will take part in the display. This report is also
probable, as the Duncan will not be dismantled, but,
being needed for coastguard service at Queensferry,
will be paid off " all standing," therefore little exer-
tion would be necessary to take her round to Spithead
next month. Further,we understand the iron screw
frigate Valiant, 18 guns,now at Portsmouth,will be in
readiness by the date specified to join the squadron
forming " Britain's best bulwarks," ordered to
assemble at Spithead on or about the 9th of next
month. The Warrior and Black Prince are at Ports-
mouth and the ironclad Hector is in the steam basin.
The Prince of Wales and other members of the
Royal family will be present during the review. It
is matter for regret that his Royal Highness Prince
Alfred is on his way in the Galatea to Australia.
Arrangements will be made to accommodate such
members of the two Houses of Parliament as choose
to be present, and it is understood that steamers
from all parts will convey visitors to Spithead, and
follow the fleet during the manoeuvres.
The Mayor of Portsmouth (Mr. Alderman
Emanuel) has received official information from the
Admiralty in a letter stating that a naval review
will be held at Spithead on or about the 16th, and
that he will be again communicated with. It is
stated that the Seraphic, troop ship, recently
launched, will be reserved for members of Parliament
desirous of being present on the occasion. The
Hillyar, C. 8., would have taken part in the display
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oerrarEhnisg firstland. T h
eembark
is t
atnhcee Belgianironclad,lrocl Volunteers
. had she not been so completely dismantled. Her
men will be paid off this day, and their several ad-
dresses taken, so that they may be sent for when
wanted. They will most likely be required to return
after r
theirt e reviewieave. theylti
swill
doubtful
tjfouyl
theip;it remaining t7theeo r 9iat 1,, andre portion
- fo 'h ecker,
after the event. Some of the men had leave yester-
day, which fact tends to corroborate the opinion that
tad will be paid off until
the paying-off of the liner will be postponed. Men
belonging to the coastguard will be required to join
ships of war during the review, and as great a force
as the home station can furnish will be got together.
'['he only matter of doubt is whether the review will
continue over three days, and about that there is
much speculation. Most likely one day's manoeuvres
will, after all, be deemed sufficient. The town
authorities at Portsmouth will meet on Friday to
take such steps as may be desirable " to give éclat to
the naval review."