Page:The Development of Navies During the Last Half-Century.djvu/294



the signal defeats inflicted upon the navy of France at the beginning of this century, she has regained her position as a maritime power, and now possesses a fleet only second to our own. Though in the interval the country has passed through various political phases, involving changes from a monarchy to a republic, the long and glorious traditions of a navy, founded by Richelieu and consolidated by Colbert, have survived, and are the mainspring of that efficiency which we see to-day. Fleets may disappear but traditions survive, and in reconstruction play an important part. How notable this has been in the case of France. Stunned by the blows inflicted on her at sea in all parts of the world, she for some years after the peace of 1815 made no attempt to resuscitate her navy. But in 1820 the country was roused when the Minister of Marine suggested 'to abandon the institution to save