Able though. Sir Erie Geddes's speech undoubtedly was, it did -
cot touch the real questionings of those who have doubted whether the strength of our magnificent Navy has been used to its full effect for offensive purposes. It is unfortunate that dieoussions on the Navy seldom reach this point. To some extent it has been the subject of controversy in newspapers ; but there, unfortunately, a blight seems to descend, and the discussion- apparently cannot be conducted without language that becomes offensive in another settee. They pertinent question which we have mentioned above, and which has- been framed in the minds of many sincere and patriotic men, including distinguished sailors, is represented as being indistinguishable from abuse of the Navy. Rut no-reasonable person that we-ever met wants to abuse the Navy. For our park we have heard nothing but a constant stream of admiring language for the extraordinary pluck, the enthusiasm, and the high technical skill of every branch of the Navy at sea ; and we believe, moreover, that every word of that language has been fairly earned.
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