New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-27
BRITISH Ma VAL ESTIMATES.
MR.. GOSCHEN'S SPEECH IN HOUSE-NO
NEED FOR MOBILIZATION.

London, Feb. 26.-In introducing the naval es-
Inmates in the House OF Commons to-day George
j. Goschen, the First Lord Of the Admiralty,
said there was nothing spasmodic or sensational
therein. The total, with the expected additions,
he added would be f3OOOOOOO The Govern
ment, he said, fully realized the situation, and
knew the nation expected the navy to be pre-
pared for all emergencies. and the estimates
were framed that footing. Nothing he contin-
ued, had been put down for the mobilization of
the fleet. If mobilization should be necessary.
the Government would not hesitate to mobilize
and come to Parliament for money, but he
thought the time had not arrived for taking
that course and he hoped that Ii would not
arrive.
Mr.. Goschen added that Great Britain was not
menaced by any naval Power Europe knew
her strength and the number OF ships she pos
sessed. There were times when demonstration
was advisable. but the Government did not
think 1t advisable upon this occasion.
The First Lord of the Admiralty also said that
hereafter ships OF the Reserve Squadron, in
stead Of going singly for firing practice, would
act together and practice tactics in addition.
Regarding the export of coal, Mr.. Goschen
announced that the Government could not pro-
hibit 1t unless at with a foreign Power or in
an emergency different from the present.
COLONIAL COOPERATION.
The Admiralty. he further asserted, was con-
sidering how 1t could organize a naval reserve
in conjunction with the colonies. He explained
that with an adequate organization the Govern
ment could get valuable contingent from Can
ada and Australia. The negotiations with Can
ada were we'll advanced. Canada asked that the
period of training be reduced. but a final de-
cision the subject had not been reached.
Dealing with the construction of fresh iron
clads Mr.. Goschen remarked that The Hague
Convention already seemed thing Of the dim
past. When the Peace Conference was called he
suggested that possibly the beginning of further
building Of battleshirs might be suspended with
the view of ascertaining the sentiments of the
conference. Great Britain alone, he added. sug-
gested a reduction of ornaments, but nothing
was done and in the six months since the con-
ference more gigantic programmes stretching
forward eight, sixteen and eighteen years, had
been put forward than ever before had entered
the minds of the Powers.
NAVAL POWERS EXPENDITURES.
Great Britain proposed to spend in 10000
IS 400 600 Russia f4300000, and France,
f4154. 900. the two latter together spending
fS,454, 900, 10000 less than Great Britain.
The Reporter of the French Naval Committee
had asserted that material was 40 per cent and
labor 10 per cent higher in France than in Eng
IdIlu, dIu MY IOSCHel therefore JuuSSu lHdI the
cost of shipbuilding in France and Russia
averaged 20 per cent dearer than in Great
Britain
Therefore" he explained, "our expenditure of
fS, 100000 gives Great Britain an advantage OF
Fl, 100000, enough to build additional iron
clad and cruiser. These large foreign pro-
grammes must not alarm the country, but we
must keep abreast Of these great developments
of naval power, which have occurred not only
in Europe. but in the United States and Japan. -
Thomas Gibson Bowles, Conservative Member
for Kings's Lynn, said that, while he agreed that
the programme was adequate the Government
ought to take into account the increasing
strength Of the German party in Holland, which
might result in that party turning away from
Holland and making satisfactory terms for
themselves with Germany. In that event, in
stead Of British and French fleets. there would
also be German fleet manned by Dutch sailors.