The Times on Tuesday published from its Berlin corre- spondent
an estimate of German naval construction for the financial year 1906-7. Such construction is governed by the Navy Law of 1900, and the new constructions under that law which fall due this year comprise two battleships, one large cruiser, two small cruisers, and two divisions of torpedo-boats. Only the large cruiser, however, is regarded as an actual addition to the strength of the Navy, the other con- structions being destined to take the place of superannuated ships. Constructions under the law of 1900 will go on till the year 1917; but meanwhile there are rumours of a new Navy Bill in the near future, rumours which, coming from the Clerical Party, who have an authoritative voice in the matter, may be taken with some seriousness. It is believed that the new Bill, if introduced, will be mainly concerned with naval fortifications along the coasts of the North Sea and the Baltic. As a result of recent manceuvres, both Kiel and Wilhelmshaven are regarded as vulnerable, and the progressive school of naval thought has long been strongly in favour of strengthening their defences.
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