in a shape showing in one view the principles on which naval affairs are governed, and the results of that mode of administration in its operation on the first great essentials of a Navy, Ships and Seamen, would be of great value in enabling the country to judge whether or no our Navy would be effective in great emergencies in due proportion either to our vast expenditure or to our great requirements in the way of maritime defence, and whether it would approach the amount reasonably to be expected, comparing our immense materials of naval strength with our organised resources. The Author conceives no subject can surpass this in importance to his country, and he entertains the strongest conviction that very great perils must eventually ensue if any very erroneous estimate of our real condition should prevail much longer. He admits that defects which appear to him as clear as light itself, are invisible to many who have equal opportunities of judging. Nevertheless he is so deeply impressed with the overpowering necessity of great changes before the Navy can be effectively organised, that he feels himself compelled by the force of those convictions, as well as by the immense importance of the subject, to lay the grounds on which they are based before the country in a clear and intelligible form, more especially because many circumstances combine to render the present juncture most favourable for repairing any evils that may be found to exist, and a long time may be expected to elapse before such an opportunity will again present itself. He has carefully confined his observations to matters properly open to the freest public discussion, and his object is not to cast blame on individuals, but to show that the evils which he believes to exist, grow naturally from the long operation of a thoroughly vicious system. His most sanguine hopes will be fully answered if these pages should have any effect in drawing attention to the Faults and Defaults of our Admiralty administration, and so contribute to their remedy. January 16th, 1861. a |