Lord Northbrook has at last induced the Government to recognise
that a modern ship-of-war is a great scientific machine, fall of complicated engines, and demanding in its builder, and therefore in the authority who controls the builder, a high degree of technical knowledge. It has, therefore, been decided to add a scientific mechanician to the Board of Admir- alty as one of the Permanent Lords ; and Mr. G. Bendel, who has, in conjunction with Sir W. Armstrong, constructed so much marine machinery, has been selected for the office. Lord Northbrook mentioned that the late First Lord entirely con- curred in this appointment, and there can be no doubt that it will be cordially welcomed in both Houses. We trust Mr. Bendel, in his seat on the Board, besides advising the Admiralty as to the construction of machinery, will be able to press on them the necessity for raising the status of the Engineers, who are be- coming, next to the captains, the most important officers, and of severe scientific training for the captains themselves. A ship is no longer a " boat," which any experienced seaman can manage, but a complicated machine, which no man without. special education can safely direct.
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