Commemoration at Oxford was not this year marked by the
bestowal of what may be called sensational degrees. Besides the Archbishop of York and Lord Dillon, who was very properly honoured as the greatest authority on ancient armour, Admiral Sir Reginald Custance received the D.C.L. That was an admirable and most appropriate selection. Sir Reginald Custance was while afloat among the most able and practical of seamen, and in command of a fleet showed a striking power of handling ships and men. Primarily, however, he is an inquirer and a critic in things naval. In a way not often attempted in this country he strives to get to the intellectual basis of naval, or indeed of all strategy. He was therefore exactly the right type of sailor for a University to honour. We may be sure that he will never disgrace his degree by any foolish "medley of philosophy and war," but that the true light of learning and science will always illuminate his page. He can be as much depended upon to keep the signal "Engage the enemy more closely" flying when the enemy is a fallacy or a delusion as when it is a hostile fleet of ironclads.
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