On Wednesday, the Times announced that the committee established to
buy back the ' Foudroyant '—Nelson's flag-ship and the scene of Sir Ralph Abercrombie's death—had suc- ceeded in its object. The German purchasers had removed the upper deck, but had not destroyed the timbers, which can be easily replaced. It is suggested that the ship, fitted with masts and rigging as she was in Nelson's time, shall be placed in the Thames as a sort of naval monument, and used as a museum for Nelson relics. That is a good idea. The Embank- ment and the river will be much improved by a masted ship— even the Volunteers' gunboat, now removed, added to the charm of the Embankment—and London, which grows too much an inland city, will be reminded that the sea is, after all, not very far away. Englishmen must never forget that not only the nation's honour, but its daily bread, depends upon their remaining lords of the sea.
Previous page
