The Press. — 1853-07-02 (London, England)

THE DOCKYARD INQUIRY AND THE LATE BOARD OF ADMIRALTY. Mr. Editor,—Notice having been given by Mr. Keating of a motion to afford another opportunity for " the Whig faction" to display their venom, it is really requisite the public should know the real cause of this persevering attempt to bring discredit upon the late Board of Admiralty. When the ill-tempered caprice, or sham resignation, of Lord John Russell (for it is yet =certain which war the trite state of the case) occurred, the greatest hope►► were entertained that Lord Derby would either fail altogether to fora► a ministry, or that it would be composed of parties who would not carry much weight in public estimation; but when it was found that his lordship had not only succeeded in procuring the assistance of a body of men of sterling character, but had also induced the Duke of Northinnberland to accept office " First Lori of the A dmiralty," the consternation and annoyance of " the faction" knew no bounds. I have no hesitation in stating my positive opinion, that the appointment of the Duke of Nortlitunberlimd gave nu►re general satisfaction to the nation at large, and especially to the navy (of course with the ~option of "the clique" ), than any public appointment for a long series of years. Knowing this to b►e the fact, the moment his grace set his foot in the Admiralty a regular system was organised to endeavour to find something to complain of, and unfortunately the noble and unsuspicious character of the duke induced him to retain in his service certain malignant " partisans," who constantly watched for an opportunity to sting the hand of their benefactor. It is perfectly clear fr►nt the evidence that the Whigs, who profess such horror of jobbery, had planted Sir Baldwin Walker, one of their partisans, in such a position that, even in the event of the Whigs being turned out, he woithi 'remain to monopolise the patronage; and it has been amply proved that Whigs, and Whigs only, had a clime() of preferment.. Mr. Stafford very properly objected to such a one .sided arrangement, and considered that Conservatives might to have some share in naval promotions. Now mark the conduct of the " redonlited" Sir Baldwin Walker. He feels sore to think that he is not to rule with undivided sway, and also sees a chance of making himself appear a martyr ; but, high-spirited and magnanimous individual ! ho cannot afford to lose his place, not knowing how long it might be before his patrons returned to office ; ho therefore quietly consents to withdraw his resignation, and to remain perfectly silent s-s to these " terrible missloings" until the change took place in the Government., when, like a slog who fears to bark as long as the whip can reach him, he Hies out of his kennel and yells and barks most courageously. Verily, Sir Baldwin Walker, you have favoured us with one instance in which the Duke of Northumberland was certainly remiss in his duty, and that Was, that he did not " walk" you and your " fidus AchatA," Admiral Berkeley, and clique, out. of the portals df the Admiralty at the earliest opportunity.  It is notorious that the welfare of the navy, its general efficiency and discipline, were never better (if so well) attended to as under the late Government ; and the tumble-down fmm the Puke of Northumberland to the turn-about politician, Sir James Graham, " the dirty hey " of Peek Ministry, is sad indeed. But the murder is out. The appointment of the Duke of Northumberland was one of the strongest points of Lord Derby's Government ; " the faction" therefore determined, if possible, to render his administration of the Admiralty unpopular; and therefore, to spite Lent Derby, they endeavour to injure the reputation of one of the best and kindest noblemen that ever existed, and whom unsullied character will remain untarnished by their coarse malig nity. It is generally understood that the duke was much indisposed to accept any official situation, but, when informed by Lord Derby that his assistance was needed, " the blood of the Percy" required no further inducement to place him at the service of his Country. Notwithstanding their base attacks, Die faction" would find, if the nation were polled as to the most proper person to direct the naval service of England, that an immense majority would at once deride in favour of the Duke of Northumberland as a practical seaman and a nobleman of unblemished 4ntegnty. June 2D, 103.  L. S. D•