Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/79

 vessels were sold at almost a nominal figure, and after the war it was curious to see the number of British built ships running under another flag. It has been calculated that this brief period of war cost us more than if we had added ten millions to the naval estimates every year since the Crimean war.

The struggle left us sensibly poorer, but chastened in spirit. A great change came over the nation. We now recognise the highest duty of man is not the accumulation of wealth, but the defence of country. Riches are no longer the principal qualification for the upper chamber of our legislature. Though trade is encouraged, the nobility has a higher aim than city offices and public companies. Above all, we have seriously considered how the Empire should be defended, and the land and sea forces organised for our special requirements. The Army underwent great changes. A broad line separates the force maintained for home defence and that for foreign service. All places that could be approached by sea were placed under naval control, and one authority has entire charge of the defences. No person is now detailed to administer a great service as a reward for party allegiance, and the next great qualification for which, formerly, appeared to be entire ignorance of the duties. It had been assumed that any knowledge of details was unnecessary, and moreover tended to obscure the broad