[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]
rejoice to learn that communications on the need of an inquiry into the state of the Navy are about to appear in your columns. May I be allowed to give expression to an earnest hope that the scope of the inquiry will extend to the education and preparation of naval officers, and to the
conditions which obtain at Dartmouth and Osborne Colleges P' There are sinister rumours as to the luxury, extravagance, and relaxation of discipline which characterise what should be schools to qualify for an arduous and engrossing profession. I have heard Osborne described as " playing two hours a day in the workshops, four hours a day in the playing fields, and the rest—rot!" And the feeling is growing that Sir John Fisher's " new system " for the entry and education of officers has not proved, and is not likely to prove, the success that was anticipated for it. If this be so, the sooner that it is known the better for the Service and the nation.—I am, Sir, &c., A STUDENT OF NAVAL HISTORY.
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