5 DECEMBER 1903, Page 19

Friday's papers contained the welcome news that the Admiralty had

purchased the two battleships which were under construction at Elswick and Barrow for the Chilian Government at an inclusive cost of 21,875,000. One of them, the Libertad,' is said to be for her displacement the most powerfully armed ship afloat. As our readers will remember, we strongly urged their purchase by the Government last spring, but the scheme fell through, owing partly to the price asked, but partly, no doubt, to the traditional Admiralty distrust of vessels built in private yards. The delay, as it happens, has done no harm, and has saved the nation 2325,000. We congratulate the Admiralty on having made an excellent bargain, and on having shown real enterprise in securing good material from non-official sources.