Sir John Colomb delivered a long and most interesting address
on "Our Ships, Colonies, and Commerce in Time of War" before the London Chamber of Commerce on Monday afternoon. Discussing the question of ships in relation to military invasion by sea, Sir John emphasised the important proposition that "modern warships cannot be used for the transport of troops,—there is no room. The Mercantile Marine, therefore, is the only agency by which military invasion can be now accomplished." The practical illustration which he then gave of our real situation is fairly reassuring, but it did not prevent his earnestly im- pressing on the Colonies the need of a more liberal recognition of the obligations of partnership, and of securing "the main- tenance of common interests and the defence of common rights. To provide for the prosperity of British shipping and the development of British commerce is the real business of every son of our oceanic Empire in peace. To make sacrifices to secure the safety in war of both is his duty, and the true test of his patriotism."
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