“_I consider the return to the early age of entry of infinite value._ It has not yet been decided whether on first going to sea midshipmen will be appointed to ships ordinarily in commission or to ships specially in commission for training purposes. I am strongly of opinion that it would be by far the best plan to send them to learn their duties in the ordinary ships of the regularly commissioned fleet. With regard to the proposed arrangement of nomination to branches, I consider it a fair contract, and it keeps the power of appointment to the various branches in the hands of the constituted authorities. In my opinion this gives the best young officer the fairest chance of holding the best positions. “In conclusion, I am of the opinion that the plan is one that has been thoroughly matured and well thought out, and I believe that when its details have been definitely settled it will make more complete the well-being, contentment, and efficiency of that Service on which the safety of the empire absolutely depends.” 2. SIR JOHN HOPKINS. I succeeded Admiral Sir John Hopkins, one of the most distinguished Officers in the Navy, in seven different appointments--as Head of the Gunnery School at Portsmouth, as Director of Naval Ordnance at the Admiralty, as Admiral Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard, as Controller of the Navy, as 3rd Sea Lord, as Commander-in-Chief in North America, and as Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean. In each of these appointments force of circumstances compelled me to have a revolution. So the following spontaneous letter, which he wrote me long after, is the more gratifying and shows his magnanimity: GREATBRIDGE, ROMSEY, _16th April, 1906_. MY DEAR FISHER, There is a small band of writing critics “making mouths and ceasing not” at the Education Scheme; but let them not trouble you. The wonder will be in twenty years’ time how such a bold forecast could have been made, that produced such excellent results; and, in my opinion, the “Common Entry” man will be as great a success as the best friends of the Service could wish. Believe me, Sincerely yours, (Signed) J. O. HOPKINS. 3. CHIEF INSPECTOR OF MACHINERY, SIR HENRY BENBOW, K.C.B., D.S.O., R.N. HABESHI, DORMAN’S PARK, SURREY, _20th April, 1908_. DEAR SIR,