NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE principal and larger portion of Sir Charles Napier's fleet, which started on Saturday for the Baltic, has no doubt by this time nearly performed the first stage of its journey. Admiral Corry left Spithead on Thursday, with two more ships ; the re- mainder of his squadron to follow as fast as the vessels can be got ready. In a short time, therefore, Sir Charles will be in command of the mouth of the Baltic. The fleet set out upon its warlike voyage with little preparatory ceremony, but with one greeting which will secure the devotion of every man on board.
Other sovereigns are accustomed to appear amongst their sub- jects, even on ordinary occasions, in more state than our Queen ; others seek to surround themselves with a theatrical halo of even supernatural dignity borrowed from some subservient church ; and others study more artfully the resources of condescension in order to master the natural obsequiousness of man. The plain though polished manners of the English Court forbid these tricks of state ; and the stable power which our Sovereign wields, the more securely for sharing it with the Parliament and the nation, renders theatrical aids unnecessary. Floating on the sea, at the head of a great fleet, Queen Victoria enjoyed more real state than any other sovereign of Europe can at present command. Thus en- throned on the deck of the Fairy, she summoned before her the Admirals and all the Captains of Sir Charles's squadron ; shook hands with them individually, and uttered some parting words which they will long remember. Both the state and the womanhood of England would be represented to the naval war- riors, and there is little doubt that they carry to the scene of ac- tion motives to serve their country and defend the outposts of their homes concentrated by that illustrious farewell.
In military matters on shore, the preparations have by no means been at a stand. There is a general commotion amongst officers "under orders " of more or less distinctness and urgency ; further appointments have been made for the forces in the East ; but the appointment which is in itself most important is that of a Military Secretary to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The gentleman selected is Lientenant-Colonel Mundy, Assistant-Quartermaster- General at Eillenny.
