The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-26

eral margin. She builds more cheaply, too,
than France and Russia.
But Lord BRAssEY holds that the British
Empire can afford this naval increase. He
quotes Sir ROBERT CITIZEN to show that the
Empires combined revenues are $1,49o,-
600, 900, an increase OF 1915, 715, 900 since
1871, or more than 40 per cent OF tho
present total Its exports and imports ag-
gregate SO, 1875. 900, 900, an increase since
1871 OF So, 14o, 900, 900, or about one-third
OF the present total. On the other hand
the national debt, which was SO, S45, ooO,-
900 in 1875, had been reduced last year
to $3,375, 100000, while private wealth
has increased. In contrast we have a great
increase Of the Russian debt in the last
twelve years.
While France has permanent naval force
OF AZ, 900 men, and Russia one OF $4,000,
the proposed British strength for the cur
rent year Is 11o,64o, showing an increase
Of 4,25O. No fewer than n, 900 men have
been added In the last five years. But Lord
BRAssBY shows anxiety over getting men
for the reserve. and says that the resources
for recruiting from blue water seamen are
diminishing. Steam and the Suez Canal
have brought up the foreigners to 40 per
cent Of the total crews Of British ships.
At the end Of this year England will have
forty-six battleships completed OF the first
and second class, the oldest scarcely ten
years In commission; while France has
thirty-three and Russia eighteen. OF the
British ships, twenty-three will bo Of the
first class, as against eighteen OF the other
two powers. And In average size the
British ships are especially superior. Under
construction England has sixteen battle
ships, more than any three other powers
combined" The latest ships, those OF the
Campus and Duncan types, displace 4, 900
tons, or about / 900 less than tho Majestic
and Irresistible. The biggest ships gain in
sea-keeping qualities, steadlness OF gun
platform, armament. protection and coal
endurance, but their deep draught keeps
the IN out OF many good harbors. In view
OF what is claimed for the French
coast defenders, with two heavy guns in
single turrets, and with light draught
and facility in turning, Lord BRAssEY
thinks the British answer to these should
consist In part OF ships especially adapted
to narrow waters, whore protection and
number of rams and guns are more impor-
tant than steadiness Of platform In heavy
seas, or than coal endurance. In general
he notes the modern tendency to carry
armor over large area Of side, even at the
cost OF thinning 1t at the water line. The
twelve British battle-ships OF the third
class far exceed in tonnage and sea-keeptng
qualities the twelve on the French list, and
there are many that can be re-armed and
brought up to date.
In cruisers Great Britain seems compar-
she has completed 119, against 80 for
France, 10 for Russia, II for Italy, and 20
for Germany. Limiting the comparison to
frst-class cruisers launched since 1885, or
now building, Great Britain has 40, aggre-
eating Ala, 500 TONS against 13 Of 100, 375
tons for France, and II OF 9e,719 tons for
Russia. In the British list are eight Of the
Terrible class, 900 tons and 81 knots;
eight OF the Greasy, 10000 tons and 81
knots, and eight of the Diadem and Spartiate
classes, II 900 tons and 20 knots. Eng
lands really imposing list, however, is that
Of her latest line-of-battle ships, which in
olude eight Of the Royal Sovereign type,
14,15O tons; nine OF the Magnificent,
$4,000; six Of tho Formidable, IS, 900 tons;
six OF the Duncan, $4,000; the Renown,
12,35o, and six improvements on her Of the
Campus type, 1880; six OF the Admiral
type. 10, 800. and five more Of displace-
ment somewhere between the Admirals and
the Royal Sovereign.
Lord BRAssEY does not forget the value
Of England's enormous mercantile marine
as an auxiliary for offence and defence. It
includes over 70 per cent Of the worlds
steamers. In 1898 England built no less
than 1857 900 tons, nearly all steamers,
and at recent date had in hand as much
more mercantile shipping. besides the war
ship construction. OF course, this may in
one sense be called source OF weakness as
well as of strength, because it requires pro-
lection In war. but Lord BRAssEY Is conf
dent that a successful system of convoy
can be established for 1t.