86 Observations on Naval Construction. 



dustry, in every thing which contributes to increase the power 

 of empires, and to multiply the means of comfort and enjoy- 

 ment to civilized man."* 



It is to be hoped, therefore, that His Royal Highness the 

 Lord High Admiral will extend to this most important national 

 institution, the School of Naval Architecture, the same vigilant 

 and scrutinizing eye that every other branch of our naval sys- 

 tem is at this moment experiencing from him, and that he will 

 extend to it that fair play and encouragement which has 

 hitherto been denied to it. As a seaman, he can fully appre^ 

 ciate and understand how much the bad qualities of a ship 

 may neutralize the best exertions of the most experienced and 

 skilful sailor ; and, on the contrary, what a degree of confidence 

 may be insured in naval operations with excellent ships. We 

 feel persuaded, therefore, that he will not allow others to think 

 for him in a matter of so much national importance, and thus 

 allow private ends to interpose to the disadvantage of public 

 views ; but that he will investigate and judge for himself. We 

 would humbly suggest to His Royal Highness to inquire into the 

 individual acquirements and productions, both of a theoretical 

 and practical nature, of those who have been educated in this 

 establishment, and he would soon be able to decide whether 

 they be fitting or not for the important task of constructing 

 our ships, and for the confidence and protection which we 

 think we have shown has hitherto been ill-advisedly withheld 

 from them. Such a line of conduct would very soon carry 

 our naval architecture to a pitch of excellence worthy of imita- 

 tion, and instead of being indebted to foreigners for models, we 

 should be able, with just pride, to point to the productions of 

 British science and intellect in this noble art. 



* Vide Mr. Huskisson's speech on the Shipping Interests. 



