14 NOVEMBER 1914, Page 2

This compressed activity imposes a great strain upon every man

in the Fleet, from bluejacket to Admiral, and the strain must not be increased by foolish talk ashore. Happily, men gradually learn to bear strains of this kind as they learn to bear all other human ills—if only the spirit is sound, as it undoubtedly is in the Navy. There never was a moment when we bad greater cause to be proud of the Navy and of its wonderful work than now. There was also never a moment when it better deserved our confidence. Whether the German thunderbolt falls this week or six months hence, the Fleet will be ready and will do its duty.