JOHN BULL'S NAVAL VADE MECUM.
(Prepared for his use by the Authorities at the Admiralty.)
Question. Does not England possess the best possible fleet?
Answer. Certainly, and always has enjoyed that advantage.
Q. But do not the iron-clads comprising this fleet frequently turn turtle?
A. Assuredly. In fact, whenever they have the smallest opportunity.
Q. And do not the guns with which the ships are armed occasionally burst?
A. Not only occasionally, but frequently.
Q. And are not the commanders of the fleet sometimes guilty of errors of judgment?
A. To be sure, and sometimes these errors of judgment lead to absolute disaster.