24 APRIL 1909, Page 18

Writing some two and a half years ago (in the

autumn of 1906), we urged very strongly the need of inquiry, and demanded "an answer based on the soundest and strictest investigation to the question: Is all well with that force upon which, under God (to use the words of the preamble to the Naval Discipline Act), the safety and welfare of the Realm cloth depend ? " It is greatly to be hoped that the inquiry will give us the answer, and give it in the affirmative. The Prime Minister deserves the thanks of the nation for having insisted that inquiry should be held, for it is well known that the opposition to such a course has been strong and persistent.