But he must say that, in his humble opinion, none of these Bills ought to be dealt with in periods of excitement, disturbance, and alarm, but that, in a time of peace, the Government and Parliament ought to consider what was the best mode of governing the country when Any Dangerous Crisis should arise.

The total cost of all this is enormous, but if we have enrolled the men, if we have got the ships ready, if our bases have been strengthened—if in all these respects we have been able to place the Navy in a position of preparedness, I think that the taxpayer has his reward in the serene tranquillity with which the nation is able to face Any Dangerous Crisis that 314 may arise.