20 APRIL 1867, Page 3

Admiral Persano has been cashiered. His statement in his own

defence suggests that he must have lost his head, for just before the battle he went on board the iron ram Affondatore without telling the fleet ; he only saw the engagement once, out of a port-hole in the turret ; he ordered the Affondatore not to strike the Kaiser, as her commander was about to do ; and he led the fleet out of action. The story is a very extraordinary one, as the Admiral had in preiious engagements exhibited the greatest gallantry, and there is something in the proceedings still unrevealed. The verdict of the Senate is, however, clear,—that the Italian fleet lost Lissa because Persano was a had Admiral, and Tegethoff a good one.