21 JULY 1900, Page 3

This announcement has been well received, and there is a

general sense of satisfaction that the Admiralty has not shown itself afraid of investigation, but is willing to take the nation into its confidence. That is the wise course, for then, even if the Committee should report against the boilers, little' blame will attach to the Admiralty, but rather praise for not having tried to hide a blunder by a policy of hushing up We hope and trust, however, that the inquiry will result in an endorsement of the Admiralty's action. In view, however of the adoption of water-tube boilers by all other Powers we should like to feel sure that it was not a case of water-tube boilers being right as to genus, but the Bellevilles being the wrong species. Mr. Goschen at the end of his speech used words which we are glad to think mean that the Admiralty are going seriously into the question of submarine boats.