New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-20

.no'" now was wasted, and the loss re-
is could not be repaired by sudden
| nv. NOW was the appointed time. (Cheers)
~ NJ iIiine Minister. in arguing that the British
| "a now was not inferior to what the Russian
| . Iu rrehch navies would be in 1897 had not
| Franz account OF ships for coast defence when
| ,ia ana Russia had In process Of construc-
upi Those Powers We're now building ships
h h,icm' ~ was true. could not make long voyages
4, 80 30. "nch. from their construction and arna-
m ,' We're capable of taking part in a contest
Mlth Dattleships. Taking these into considera-
non Hreat Britain. in 1897. would be inferior
~ rance and Russia by eighteen ships capable
Vi ,ahlng part in a great naval battle. lie
could not make out why the Prime Minister
mao, nau selected 1897 for the comparison. for 1896
Mouid be more critical period. The Govern
,n nt' 90 what 1t could, would not be able to
pace the Navy equality with the French
anu Russian navies by 1896 The Prime Min
ister had not said single word showing that
ne understood or was ready to take steps to
NEE, the danger 1t was a subject OF over
Wheining Importance. In future naval conflicts
england would play against opponents stalking
hothing. while England would stake all: No
question of domestic policy compared in I'M
portance with the tremendous issues raised by
the motion OF the member for MiddeseX. IL the
Government did what was asked. the country
would not feel that they had be trayed the trust
imposed upon them as guardians OF interests
lar above historic party consideration
SIR CHARLES DILKE's SPEECH.
MT. Baifcur was loudly cheered when he re-
sumed his seat. Sir Charles w. Dixie. Advanced
Radical, member for the Forest of Dean Dvis-
ion Of Gloucestershirc said that the supremacy
OF the British Navy was longer beyond
question. The French Navy was superior to
the British as regards rapidly Of organization
and mobilization, though 1t was inferior in ma
terals of construction. The Government ought
TO consider that England would be unable to
count upon any outside help in the event Of
single-handed war.
Vice-Admiral Edward Field. Conservative.
member for the EastbOurne Division of Sussex.
said that besides being able 10 cope with any
two nations combining their fleets Great Britain
must provide squadrons for the defence Of her
foreign stations. In cruisers, he said Great
Britain was far behind.
Sir L. Kay-Shutteworth. Liberal. member for
the Clthcroe Division OF Lancashire and Secre-
tary to the Admiralty, said that the present
not the time Il make n statement q the Govern
ments intentions n fragmentary form. If the
House confided in the Government the House
might rest assured that the Government would
not be behind their duty.
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN'S SARCASM.
Joseph Chamberlain. leader Of the Liberal
Unionists. twttei the previous speaker with
avoiding every vital point of the question The
Prime Minister'S contention that the Navy was
more than sufficient. Mr.. Chamberlain said was
not accepted by anybody deserving 10 be re-
garded authority. If war were declared
Tomorrow the Navy would be compelled To cut
Mr. Chamberlain taunted the Government with
evadng greet measures. They wanted no ques-
tons he said: they wanted merely a blank check.
Was It wise for the House OF Commons SO TO con
fdc in any Government? II war occurred. unless
Great Britain prepared for II tens OF mill
ions OF pounds would not prevent her defeat.
He greatly feared that the estimates would prove
altogether inadequate. inasmuch as the Govern
ment had said nothing To indicate That they
recognized the gravity of the situation Ana yet
the emergency far greater and the danger
nearer than was the case in 1884. In conclusion.
Mr. Chamberlain urged that whenever any one OF
the allied nations builds three warships Great
Britain ought To build five and whenever any
builds one cruiser Great Britain ought To bulid
two (CheersD
Sir William Harcourt Chancellor OF the EX-
cheouer declared that the Admiralty was tax
ing all necessary steps TO maintain the supreIn-
acv of the British navy. The Prime Minister
he said in comparing the British navy with
other nAyies had mentioned the year 1897. be-
cause all vessels known TO be building In the
different countries would then be completed
Great Britain would then have twenty-five hrst-
class warships France would have fifteen and
Russia would have nine. When the Government
declared that the situation was satisfactory
they repeated the opinions Of experts OF the
Admiralty. -
q J. Goschen, Liberal-Cnonist. who was
Chancellor OF the Exchequer in Lord Salisburys
last Administration. followed Sir William Har-
court. He spoke amid constant cries OF
"Dvder' Divide"
Mr. Gladstone's amendment to the effect that
the House refuse to countenance Lord George
Hamilton's motion WAS carried By vote OF
q 203