The matériel consists of— Men-of-war and other ironclads 26 Cruisers 26 Torpedo-vessels, gunboats, and avisos 18 Torpedo-boats 93 Various for harbour service 42 --- Total 205 --- The original plan for forming a fleet, started in 1872–73, has been departed from in several details, gained from the experience of other nations and from the knowledge of German requirements; economy had also something to do with the matter. The building of huge ironclads was not persevered in, and more attention was paid to increasing the torpedo-flotilla for the defence of the coasts and ports. Although the Imperial Navy is not yet strong enough to compete successfully with those of other great naval powers on the open sea, still one great object has been gained, _i.e._, the protection of trade and the merchant service. Germany is also now enabled to enter into commercial and political relations with distant countries, and to make the German flag respected in all parts of the world in a way which would not otherwise have been possible. The Navy will also be able in the future to defend the German coast-line and make the foreign invasion of her coasts an impossibility. It is difficult to forecast the probable development of the German Navy, for the colonies which the country has recently founded and is still founding will increase its task and may lead to the formation of a much larger fleet. The recognition which the German Navy has lately won on all sides, especially on the part of England, allows of the hope that it will soon be considered as fit to go hand in hand with the German Army. One thing is certain, and that is, that its successes, whether in the hoisting of the national flag in distant parts of the world, or in the more peaceful task of cementing friendly relations with other Powers, are followed with the greatest interest and appreciation by the whole of the German Empire. LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. ADVERTISEMENTS LAMBERT, Goldsmiths, Jewellers, and Silversmiths, TO H.M. THE QUEEN, H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH; THE UNIVERSITIES OF OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE, The Royal Artillery, THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. [Illustration] A large Collection of every description of New and Second-hand Plate always on Sale. _Precious Stones, Clocks, Watches, Electro-Plate, &c., &c._