The one solitary element in which we are behind, and must be behind all nations, is “Men.” We have no Conscription with the unlimited resources it gives! How should we counterbalance this want? “By introducing every possible form of labour-saving appliance,” regardless of cost, weight, and space; for instance, is it really impossible to devise mechanical arrangements for feeding the fires with coal instead of using the mass of men we now are obliged to employ for the purpose? The coal is got out of the bunkers in the same way now as in the first steamship ever built. It is not only we thereby save men—we ensure success (for the next Naval War will be largely a question of physical endurance and nerves).
“A machine has no nerves and doesn’t tire!”
The other point necessary to consider is “not to waste educated labour, and to utilise and cultivate specialities!”
The present system of education both of Men and Officers is that we all go in at one end like the pigs of every type at Chicago, and come out a uniform pattern of sausages at the other!
Thus, what we want is, above all things, a “Corps d’Elite” of gun-firers! I should call them the “Bull’s Eye Party” (and give them all 10s. a day extra pay!)
They must do nothing else but practise hitting the target and lose their pay when they don’t!
Where would your violin player be if he didn’t daily practise? And if you made him pick oakum, where would his touch be?
This is what Paganini said: “The first day I omit to practise the violin I notice it myself!
“The second day my friends notice it!!
“The third day the public notice it!!!”