Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-20
MR.. GLADSTONE SUSTAINED.
The House Of Commons Refuses to De
mand His Navy Policy.

The House of Commons Refuses to De-
mand His Navy Policy.
Lord George Hamilton formerly first lord
of the admiralty, in the house of commons
yesterday made a motion relative to Great
Britain's navy, notice Of which was given a
Few days ago, which was a yelled vote OF
censure on the ministry and was quickly
buried by Premier Gladstone.
The motion declared that 1t was neces-
sary that large additions should be immedi-
ately made to the navy. and that the house
therefore demanded to be informed what
the intentions of the government were In re-
gard to Strengthening 1t.
Speaking on his motion, Lord George
Hamilton said that nobody could serve a
term of office in the admiralty without be-
ing impressed with the disparity between
the naval expenditures of the different ma
lions. The British nation, compared with
others. remained almost stationary.
Great Britains former distinction as a
sea power, equal to hold her own against
European coalition. has gone. II the British
fleet was to be kept in a condition to meet
the combined fleets of any two nations,
larger expenditures, coupled with prompter
construction than had hitherto appeared in
the plan of the government must be under
taken. He did not desire that the house
should consider his motion a party move in
voking censure of the government. 1t was
made with a view to afford the government a
chance to explain Its policy to the house.
and also in the hope of eliciting a statement
calculated to allay the anxiety of the coun-
try.
Mr.. GladstOne's Reply.
When Mr.. Gladstone arose to respond to
Lord George he was loudly cheered. The
prime minister said that 1t must have as
tonished the house to hear the right honor
Ia ,ba- Co.
ton one of private member free from
party character, and standing entirely apart
from vote of want of confidence in the min
istry. A motion implying that the house
should take out of tine hands of the execu-
tive of the government one of its primary
duties certainly amounted TO censure.
Great Britain remained notably advanced
In all her preparations for future contin-
genc1eS. In the work of constructing veS-
sells required the country was so far before
other countries that it could justly be said
that the strength of the British navy eX-
celled that of any two other countries. To
compare the relative number OF British
warships with the French and Russian YES
sells was a fallacious test. The British ships
were larger and of better material than
those that could be sent against them
Great Britain at this moment had in battle
ships $4,000 tons of lighting material
against Frances and Russias combined
31S,0uO tons.
dredt Britain mas nineteen battle ShlpS,
and France and Russia only fourteen. OF
warShips of all classes, Great Britain was
stronger than any three powers. CHEERS }
Eight of the ships figuring in French and
Russian navies We're old wooden armored
ships or the style discarded as inefficient for
the British navy. In every class of war
ships the British had the larger and more
powerful vessels than the French or Rus
SIAN. (Cries Of Hear. Hear.D 1t was.
therefore, absurd to describe the present as
a moment of danger, calling for a prema-
ture settlement.
Mr. Gladstone, in conclusion, expressed
the hope that the house would not lend its
countenance to a motion which. he de-
clared, marshaled the party forces on the
question of imperial defense 1t was a bad
example. which he trusted the house would
not follow.
Mr.. BalfOur's Attack.
Arthur ]. Balfour, conservative leader in
the house of commons, complained that Mr.
Gladstone had afforded no information as to
what was the naval policy of the govern
ment.
The anxiety felt was not in regard to the
present, but in regard to the future. Every
month now was wasted and the loss result
ing could not be repaired by a sudden effort
Now was the appointed time. (Cheers) The
prime minister, in arguing that the British
navy now was not inferior to what the Rus
sian and French navies would be in 1897,
had not taken account of ships for coast de-
Tense which France and Russia had in pro-
cess of construction. Those powers were
now building ships which, 1t was true
could not make long voyages. but which.
from their construction and armament were
capable of taking part in a contest with
battle ships.
Taking these into consideration, Great
Britain in 1897 would be inferior to France
and Russia by eighteen ships capable of
taking part in a great naval battle.
Mr.. Gladstone's amendment to the erect
that the house refuse to countenance Lord
George Hamilton's motion was carried by
vote of 30 to POI.
The house then adjourned until January T.