The announcement that Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur Wilson
is to succeed Sir John Fisher as First Sea Lord, has given general satisfaction, not unmingled with relief. To begin with, Sir Arthur Wilson is a man who inspires confidence not merely by his distinguished record, but as representing the best traditions of "the great silent Service." But, apart from his capacity and his strength and determination of character, it is a matter for national congratulation that he has never been tainted with the faintest suspicion of partisanship. From the controversies which have rent the Navy in the last few years he has stood conspicuously aloof. Whatever policy he may adopt, one may be sure that it will never be one of reprisals, and we feel equally sure that he will never be tempted to deflect the Press from its legitimate function of criticism to that of the dissemination of ready-made eulogy. In the best interests of the Service it is to be hoped that no long interval may elapse before Sir Arthur Wilson is installed at the Admiralty.
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