Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Military Technology, Experiment, Steamships, War, Nationalism, Cultural Geography, Government, Politics

    Begins by suggesting that the song 'Rule Britannia' will have to be changed after a report in The Times which describes the instability (and therefore vulnerability) of British ironclads. Believes that only 'miracles' will make the ironclads 'effective against turret ones', and questions the continuing production of such unsteady and expensive ships. Supports The Times's attack on the Admiralty for this sorry situation and considers that the Admiralty Board has proved to be more costly and wasteful than the useless ships it has sanctioned. Concludes by hoping that the next session of Parliament will witness measures reforming the Admiralty.