2 OCTOBER 1875, Page 16

THE 'VANGUARD' SENTENCE.

(TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.")

Sin,—The sentence of the Court-martial in effect pronounces that the 'Vanguard' was lost by the want of brains in the Admiral, Captains, Commander, and Lieutenants, though the evidence showed that they had all plenty of courage and energy. What a commentary on Mr. Ward Hunt's decision, that henceforth the officers of the Navy shall be chosen by patronage, and not by competition,—that is, shall be men who, whatever their other merits, dare not stand the test which tries whether they have