Dr. Ewing then gave an account of the much-canvassed methods
now adopted for the training of the engine-room personnel, and concluded by declaring that the faith of those who were concerned in the working out of the details of the new scheme had never been shaken for one moment. He omitted, however, to reassure his hearers on one point— the most vulnerable in the scheme—the question of expense. There is only too good reason to suppose that the area of selection is being limited by the levelling up of the standard of cost involved in the principle of a common entry. Time alone can prove the new system, but we are bound to say that on paper it seems to meet the difficult problems involved with great ingenuity and success. Its essential recommendation, in our eyes, is that it does not slam the door leading to the highest commands in the face of any type or class of naval officer, and does provide that men who reach the top shall have a comprehensive knowledge of all branches of seamanship.
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