On Friday week in the Commons, on the motion for
the adjournment of the House, Mr. Fitzroy brought forward the question of Sir Francis Bridgeman's resignation of his post as First Sea Lord. The debate was remarkable for a " slanging match " between Mr. Churchill and Lord Charles Beresford, in which Mr. Churchill certainly did not get the worst of it. We can only hope for the good of the Navy that this affair may have served the function of a thunderstorm in clearing the air. It would be unprofitable now to go into the details. We are anxious to say no more than is necessary on the subject. If there were genuine grievances to be expressed on behalf of Sir Francis Bridgeman we can only remark that they were expressed neither wisely nor lucidly by Lord Charles Beresford. It is possible that Mr. Churchill, on his side, was not justified in quoting an unofficial letter in debate. But the only point we need detach from the dispute and emphasize is this—the corre- spondence which Mr. Churchill read substantiated his statement that Sir Francis Bridgeman was required to retire solely on the grounds of his health. In the letters there was no suggestion of any differences of opinion on naval policy or administration.
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