A VADE MECUM FOR THE NAVAL MANŒUVRES.
(Compiled by a Pessimist.)
Question. Will the Naval Manœuvres of 1894 have any novel features?
Answer. Only in the imagination of the special correspondents.
Q. Will there be the customary coloured fleets?
A. Yes, with the usual commanders, officers and men.
Q. Will the lesson that a fleet having speed equal to a pursuing fleet, if given a start, will escape, be taught to all concerned?
A. Yes, to the great admiration of the authorities at Somerset House and Whitehall.
Q. Will it be demonstrated that if a town on the coast is left undefended, a hostile ironclad will be able to bombard it at pleasure?
A. Yes, to the satisfaction of every scientist in the United Kingdom.
Q. Will it also be made clear to the meanest comprehension that if the night is sufficiently dark, and search-lights insufficient, a fleet will get out of a harbour in spite of considerable opposition?
A. Yes, to the great appreciation of the world at large, and the British public in particular.
Q. Will there be the customary secrecy about self-evident facts and trivial details?
A. Yes, to the annoyance of the newspaper correspondents, and the indignation of editors thirsting for copy.
Q. And, lastly, how may the Naval Manœuvres be appropriately defined?
A. As the means of obtaining the minimum of information at the maximum of expense.