Lord Curzon gave some reassuring figures in regard to our
mer- chant marine. Since the war began, our merchantmen over 1,600 tons have decreased in number from 3,890 to 3,540, and in tonnage from 16,850,000 to slightly less than 16,000,000, representing a loss of five or six per cent. of the gross tonnage It must be remem- bered, however, that this is a net loss, as the casualties have been set off by enemy prizes which cannot be replaced and by new ships. Further, three out of every four British merchantmen are plying on Government service, and the neutrals on whom we depend largely forsupplies for the civil population have suffered heavily. Still, the statement, as qualified, is encouraging.. Lard Curzon informed the House that new ships were being rapidly built for us not only at - home but also in America and Japan, and that neutral ships are being acquired in various ways. Admiral Jellicoe and his advisers are " not dissatisfied " with the progress of the submarine hunt. " New methods " are being perfected which enable them to look with confidence to the future. The public must keep cool and trust the Navy. We have written elsewhere on the statements made by Lord Curzon and Lord Lytton that the importation of non-essentials must absolutely cease.
Previous page
