Apparently, we are in this country in the infancy of Gymnastics for the training of the body when one reads of the Swedish system and its results. (“_Mens sana in corpore sano._”) The one solitary element in which we are behind, and must be behind all nations, is “Men.” We have no Conscription with the unlimited resources it gives! How should we counterbalance this want? “By introducing every possible form of labour-saving appliance,” regardless of cost, weight, and space; for instance, is it really impossible to devise mechanical arrangements for feeding the fires with coal instead of using the mass of men we now are obliged to employ for the purpose? The coal is got out of the bunkers in the same way now as in the first steamship ever built. It is not only we thereby save men--we ensure success (for the next Naval War will be largely a question of physical endurance and nerves). “A machine has no nerves and doesn’t tire!” The other point necessary to consider is “not to waste educated labour, and to utilise and cultivate specialities!” The present system of education both of Men and Officers is that we all go in at one end like the pigs of every type at Chicago, and come out a uniform pattern of sausages at the other! Thus, what we want is, above all things, a “Corps d’Elite” of gun-firers! I should call them the “Bull’s Eye Party” (and give them all 10_s._ a day extra pay!) They must do nothing else but practise hitting the target and lose their pay when they don’t! Where would your violin player be if he didn’t daily practise? And if you made him pick oakum, where would his touch be? This is what Paganini said: “The first day I omit to practise the violin I notice it myself! “The second day my friends notice it!! “The third day the public notice it!!!” But if the “Bull’s Eye Party” are to hit the enemy as desired (and as they can be made competent to do!) then the Admirals and Captains, and all others, must equally play their parts to allow the “Bull’s Eye Party” to get within range and sight of the enemy. _Their_ education is therefore equally important. Scripture comes in here appropriately, “The eye cannot say to the hand, nor the hand to the foot,” etc., etc. To put the matter very briefly: “The education of all our Officers, without distinction, must be remodelled to cope with machinery, instead of sails!” The Gymnasium, the Engine-room, the Destroyer, the Submarine, and Boat Sailing must be our great educational instruments. Not for a single moment is it put forward that a year in a workshop and a year in an engine-room will make an efficient Engineer Officer! It is long experience in such work that does that!--as in every other thing! But in a small way, the argument of the abolition of the old Navigating Class applies here very forcibly. It was said their abolition would be absolutely fatal to the efficient navigation of the Fleet.