Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-09-10
PROM THE LONDON TIMES OF Auousr

FROM THE LONDON TINES OF AUGUST 10.
In no respect did the magnificent display Of the
feet Thursday last fall short of the high anticpations
ventured to express that morning, disappont
the enthusiastic admiration Of the largest number Of spec
tators that foated at moment island
waters From Spithead to the Of the Gnal evou
ons of the squadron in the open sea- when the cliffs of
the Isle Of Wight had almost faded from the sight, the
horizon aud the we're literally crowded with ves
sels The huge ships of advancing in their array
would have been lost in the incredible multitude of sails
and tunnels if they had not still lowered above the lesser
craft for on rude guess believe that upwards of
hundred steamers stood to the wake Of the
Royal Yacht, and these were surrounded by sailing ves
sells Of every Glass; beyond the power Of the observer
count Of the eye to distinguish We leave it to others
to convey as best they may in words the beauty Of that
amazing scene which will be remembered by those whe
witnessed il to the latest hour Of their lives But in this
place. must be permitted to record two Of the
practical observations which it suggested abundanty
the pleasing emotions Of the sublime and the pctu-
rescue. To naval observer the day Of the
instructive that could be spent and the lessons Of naval
science and experience belong the most essential
siderations Of political life
great deal has been written the comparative naval
forces of this country and Of other nations and elaborate
attempts have not been wanting prove what termed
the defenceless condition of coasts One year the
Russian Baltic feet to bear down upon Sheeness in
another, the French Channel Squadron was narrowly
be watched from Selsea Hill to the Lands End. We so
far in the opinion expressed by high naval autho
rites and generally entertained by the country that we
hold it to be unworthy of England that any apparent
possibility Of foreign aggression should exist and
quenty that considerable force ought to be maintained
in home ports though there Is station in The world
where 1t is difficult to keep ships in good order and
sailors in good humor But doubted that this
possibility Of aggression only apparent and that
whenever the naval strength Of the country put forth
1T would immeasuraby exceed all that has been said Of
il, whether by its parsans by alarmsts. To certain
extent this has been DONE and Thursday witnessed
the result At the time il must be borne in mind
that the navy still remains its peace establishment
and that the feet which Sir James Graham has been
abcd to place In this highly efficient state comprises none
of our extraordinary Of except the addition
of 5000 men, which very wisely and opportuney
proposed at the close Of last year by the preceding Ad
minstration.
In the construction OF ships the utmost wants Of the
service have been anticipated and exceeded for II we
feel regret Mt the present state Of the navy IL Is
such immense preparations have been expended on
OF vessels which, perfect they in their kind are IT
revocoby superseded The steady advance Of the mighty
line OF the steam feet upon Admiral Fanshawes division
of sailing ships impressed the spectator than ever
with the conviction, not unmxed with pain and melan-
choy that the day Of those ancient Lords Of the Ocean
already past With all their graceful postures, their