[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.']
read last night. December 4th (my Spectator reaches me late in the week), your admirable article on Mr. Fitchett's letter• to you.. Your views so forcibly express my own opinions on the subject that I shall be glad if you will run your eye over a short and crude contribution of mine to the British Empire Review on the "Navy and the Colonies" (which will appear, I expect, in the January number), the MS. of which was sent off last week. Therein I have tried to show the feasibility of permitting the Commonwealth to start a Navy of its own, and I only differ from you in advocating that it shall be under one responsible head, who at present is the British Admiral on the Australian station. For this I have given my reasons, and will now only add my unqualified approval of all you urge on the points discussed.—I am, Sir, &c., J. 0. HOPKINS, Admiral (retired). Romsey.
[Doubtless the Government of the Commonwealth would place their ships when in commission under the Admiral on the Australian station, in order in that way not only to obtain the best possible training, but also to render their contribution to the Imperial sea power most effective.—ED. Spectator.]
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