Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/77

 or an existing one strengthened, without disturbing to any great degree the national life. It need not also awaken suspicion.

Among the many surprises which this war brought was the promptitude with which a German fleet was assembled at Kiel; and the way in which it afterwards carried out certain operations in the Baltic was a matter of general comment. An English officer, who was invited by the Emperor to accompany him on his inspection of the squadron, was much struck with the high state of discipline maintained and the thorough manner in which everything was done. There was no playing at soldiers or sailors. A high standard was exacted from all, and if any failed to come up to it, he was at once put aside. As the Emperor laughingly said to his guest, "Germany can't afford to have indifferent officers."

Whilst these events were taking place, our immense resources and innate aptitude for naval warfare had begun to bear fruit. By dint of great exertions and utilising all the great private establishments of the country, we were collecting a fleet such as the world had never seen. The nation responded nobly to the call. Money and men were forthcoming to any extent, but ironclads could not be produced in a few months. We regretted now that so little had been done to keep the older ones ready for service, as the appearance