26 NOVEMBER 1904, Page 16

SIR,—Any one who read the last list of Birthday honours

must have been amazed at seeing the honours for the naval officers coming under the head of " War Office " ; and well they might. It appears that the First Lord of the Admiralty, not being a Secretary of State, is not able to recommend officers for honours, but must do it through the War Office. This state of things is truly absurd. The idea of the head of the Royal Navy, the senior Service, having to go and ask the' head of the junior Service for leave to give honours to naval officers is too ridiculous for words, and the sooner it is altered the

better.—I am, Sir, &c., R. N.