On Thursday, the Central News published a very interesting piece
of news in regard to the manning of the mercantile cruisers, in respect of which an annual subsidy is paid by the Treasury. The Admiralty propose that these cruisers shall in future be manned by men and officers belonging to the Royal Naval Reserve, who will be given a special war training on board their vessels. This means that on the outbreak of war the vessels on the Admiralty list will be immediately available for active service. At present, the existing crews would have to be discharged and new crews hastily got together composed of men who are total strangers to the vessels. The new plan will turn a paper provision for war into a real one, and add twenty-six very fast and efficient ships to the Fleet. It is to be hoped that the Admiralty will go a step further, and as the French do, will keep the guns and ammunition on board. Then nothing but a telegram will be required to convert the 'Umbria,' the Teutonic,' and the rest, into war-vessels of a very useful kind.
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