It is stated in several of Thursday's newspapers that Sir
John Fisher will retire next October. We cannot, of course, say whether this rumour is true, but if it is we are convinced that it will be for the good of the Service and in the interests of the nation. We make this statement with regret, for we have never felt any animosity towards Sir John Fisher, and have always acknowledged that, though he has dens many reckless and dangerous things in his administration, he has also done much good work. Unfortunately, however, we cannot doubt that he has infused a bad spirit into the Navy, and that, if his presence is continued at the Admiralty, the. result must be dangerous in a high degree to the efficiency and solidarity of the Service. When Sir John Fisher retires it is very greatly to be hoped that the Government will choose as his successor some man who will be able to conduct the administration of the Navy without heat and without creating parties and cliques, and who will, in effect, allow our sailors to do their work in quietness and confidence. Above all things, it will be necessary to tread out every red ember in the old controversy. There must be no more Fisherites or Beresfordites in the Service.
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