It is stated that the Colonial Conference has already ended
in a plan for the maritime defence of Australia. The British Government, without reducing its own squadron in the South Pacific, will provide five armed cruisers at an original cost of £600,000, and two torpedo-boats, and will not charge for their deterioration. Australia, on the other hand, will pay 2120,000 a year for the pay, keep, and other expenses of the necessary crews and equipments. The cruisers will be retained in Australian waters, and will, it is believed, with the usual force stationed there, provide adequate protection against a sudden attack. Add a good Militia, trained to use artillery, and some oarthWorks, and the great Southern continent will be fairly safe. The Australians should keep a careful record of the details of this arrangement. It will be most curious about the year A.D. 2000, when the Australian Republic will be a Great Power, felt from Calcutta to New Caledonia, and worried with her own India in New Guinea, to study the agreement from which sprang the second fleet in the world. The kangaroo will leap far yet.
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