24 NOVEMBER 1888, Page 3

The rumour that the Emperor of Germany wished for a

powerful marine, is, it appears, true. A Bill has been presented to the Reichstag demanding a sum of £5,800,000 for the con- struction of twenty-eight men-of-war, of which four will be first-class ironclads, nine second-class ironclads, and seven armoured cruiser corvettes. The expenditure will be spread over some years, but it is definitely stated that the object of the increase is to defend Germany.abroad, and to make the alliance of the Empire valuable to a maritime Power. The project is in no way unreasonable, but we should not think it boded good either for Denmark or Holland. When one has a great fleet, and it is manned by conscription, the desire to secure a population naturally maritime is sure to become strong.