Meanwhile, the merchant shipping of the enemy has been hunted from the
seas [cheers] and our seaman are still patiently, or impatiently,
[laughter,] waiting for a chance to try conclusions with the opposing
fleet. Great and incalculable is the debt which we have owed during
these weeks, and which in increasing measure we shall continue to owe,
to our navy. [Cheers.] The navy needs no help, and as the months roll
on--thanks to a far-sighted policy in the past--its proportionate
strength will grow. [Cheers.]
Army's Glorious Record.
If we turn to our army [cheers] we can say with equal justice and pride
that during these weeks it has rivaled the most glorious records of its
past. [Cheers.] Sir John French [cheers] and his gallant officers and
men live in our hearts, as they will live in the memories of those who
come afterward. [Cheers,]
But splendid achievements such as these--equally splendid in retirement
and in advance ["Hear, hear!"]--cannot be won without a heavy
expenditure of life and limb, of equipment and supplies. Even now, at
this very early stage, I suppose there is hardly a person here who is
not suffering from anxiety and suspense. Some of us are plunged in
sorrow for the loss of those we love; cut off, some of them, in the
springtime of their young lives.
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