The same author on this subject writes as follows:—

"We extol the advantages and glory of our vast Colonial and Indian Empire in sounding phrases, but murmur at the necessary cost of maintaining it. Unfortunately, when there has been a disposition on the part of the Colonies to assist in the work of defence, no word of advice or encouragement has come from the Mother Country. Instead of the Imperial Government initiating joint action in the matter each Colony was left to its own devices. Hence we find some Colonies bristling with guns on shore, while others are left without any such defence. In one locality small torpedo-boats are obtained, incapable of action except in the finest weather; in another Colony gunboats are favoured, which, owing to lack of speed and other qualities, would be equally ineffective against an enterprising enemy who had evoded our Fleet. Then, great store is set in certain quarters on submarine mines, and elaborate systems have been devised which will infallibly break down under the stern test of war.