1894.] on the Making of a Modern Fleet. 215 



space has to be appropriated to and fitted for some special purpose. 

 Accepting these fixed conditions, the endeavour of naval architects is 

 to fulfil them in ships which shall be strong, stable and sea-worthy, 

 possessing the speeds and coal-supplies specified for various types. 

 If complete success is not attained in all cases it should be remem- 

 bered that the problems which have to be solved, are of increasing 

 difficulty and complexity. And, on the whole, it may be claimed 

 that the designers of modern war-ships, with the aid of their col- 

 laborateurs — marine and mechanical engineers, electricians, artille- 

 rists and metallurgists — have achieved remarkable results. Speeds 

 have been greatly increased, offensive and defensive powers developed, 

 and sea-keeping qualities maintained. 



Those who have to design and build war-ships, as well as those 

 who have to fight them, may be pardoned if they sometimes wish that 

 earlier and simpler conditions had continued. But the progress of 

 invention and the constant struggle for maritime supremacy demand 

 continuous effort, in order that Her Majesty's ships shall in no sense 

 be inferior to those produced in other countries. 



[W. H. W.] 



