Friday's papers contain the full text of Sir David Beatty's
despatch on the fight in the Bight of Heligoland. [For some inscrutable reason, the day on which it is most difficult for us to deal with news is always the day on which the papers are fullest of memorable events.] Though we cannot deal as we should wish with this thrilling story of the first general naval action in which we have been concerned since Navarino, we must note how intrepid and how skilful a sailor Admiral Beatty has proved himself, and bow loyally and bravely he was supported by those under his command. Admiral Beatty dared take great risks, and for this daring he deserves the gratitude of the nation. We do not, of course, want to say anything which may have the effect of hounding our sailors into recklessness. At the same time, we must always remember that or ships were built, not to be kept in safety, but to destroy the ships of the enemy, and that this object must always be kept well in view. It would be madness to let our Admirals suppose that loss of ships would be visited on them as a crime, and so freeze their courage to a cold and sterile discretion. Happily there is no fear of this. The country as a whole maintains the true naval instinct, and will support any sailor who, to attain vital results, runs great hazards.
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