We desire to draw the special attention of our readers
to the fifth letter (appearing to-day) of the series which " Civis " is contributing to our columns in regard to the condition of the Navy. The letter shows how perilous is the policy which has been adopted of late at the Admiralty of allowing repairs to ' get into arrears, and of failing to make proper money proVi- Bien for carrying them out. The facts and figures adcipced by , him are conclusive as to this point. Though " Civis " speaks, and rightly speaks, with such restraint and moderation, it is evident that the condition of things is Most setioug, and- that• unless a change takes place we shall be in danger of having a Fleet which, though 'strong in name, will, for want of repairs, be in a large measure derelict. At present we are perilously near the position of a man whose house has got badly out of repair, but who, instead of putting it in order, builds new rooms, and yet counts the old and unrepaired part of the structure as giving him a house of twenty bedrooms, or what- ever it may be. His boasts about the magnificent extension in which he lives at the moment cannot make the old and neglected part of the house weatherproof or habitable.
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