The Times, followed by the Herald and Standard, has kept
up a series of announcements respecting an immediate increase to the forces of the country, with a corresponding increase to the Military and Naval Estimates. The pubhc must expect a very large in- crease indeed; but the scale of it is only indicated in particular items which are let out by degrees. The 'Herald proclaims that " the-Vote for the steam nutritie will be comparatively enormous". —380,0001. "for steam-machinery alone.".
It is understood that - the funds for the increase of the Naval Estimates will be asked in a supplemental or separate estimate ; and that as soort'as Ministers have obtained the assent of Parlia- ment, the entry of seamen and enlistment of marines will proceed. The number of' men to be added to the Navy is 5000 ; to the Marines, 1500. By this time next year, there will probably be about twenty two-decked and three-decked war screw-steamers afloat; and machinery for eight screw line-of-battle ships has been ordered of Messrs. Maudslay and Mr. Field, and Messrs. Penn and Co.
In the Ordnance there is to be a very conbiderable increase- 2000 men, 1000 horses' 200 guns, with carriages and ammunition- waggons ; the latter to be ready by the end of winter or beginning of spring; . No mention is yet made of any increase to the Army; but great activity is noted in the movements of-the different regiments. The virtual -termination of the Caffri3 War was reckoned some weeks since as one means of releasing troops for home service ; as the virtual termination-of the Burmese war is this week spoken of in the same sense : but it is evident that augmentations of the line are not to be expected . from stich sources. General Godwin has taken Prome ; but he is very slow in his proceedings ; and it is still calculated that Burmah will have to be annexed to British India. As to the termination of the CafEre war, we know nothing about it yet. There must also be an increase for fortifieons. Orders have be n issued to begin, and to hasten as much as possible,. the coat struction of batteries OH the Isle of Wight; a very :proper psieW for special activity, but of course not the only point. Altogether, we must understand that the journals have not yet been enabled to announce the total amount of the naval and military increase, considerable as it must be from the items already before us.
