The debate did not end, as was at first expectedon
Thursday night. In view of the gravity of the issue and the very strong and divided feeling in the House, the Government have agreed to devote a third day to the discussion, which will be resumed. on Monday. Mr. McKenna, continuing his speech, dealt with the circular signed by the one hundred and twenty admirals, and declared that out of the one hundred and twenty only twenty-three had ever hoisted their flags, and of these twelve served only as junior officers for a comparatively short period. The eleven remaining were no doubt persons of great distinction. He made these distinctions with re- luctance, but it was necessary to do so because attempts had been made to represent the whole Navy as against the Declara- tion. Lord Charles Beresford later put the Naval view with great force. Incidentally he declared that we had not a sufficient number of cruisers for the protection of our trade routes. The great danger against which we should guard was a sudden attack by converted merchant ships. If the Declaration were ratified one hundred small cruisers ought at once to be laid down. The acquiescence in the proposal to sanction the destractien of neutral vessels was an amazing surrender..
Previous page
