[Footnote 80:  This happened to me in 1904.]

Some acquaintance with present conditions and accurate knowledge of the naval methods prevailing in the great Queen’s reign—­a knowledge which the publication of the original documents puts within the reach of anyone who really cares to know the truth—­will convince the candid inquirer that Elizabeth’s administration of the navy compares favourably with that of any of her successors; and that, for it, she deserves the admiration and unalloyed gratitude of the nation.

IX[81]

[Footnote 81:  Written in 1905. (CornhillMagazine_.)]

NELSON:  THE CENTENARY OF TRAFALGAR

[The following article was read as an address, in compliance with the request of its Council, at the annual meeting of the Navy Records Society in July 1905.  It was, and indeed is still, my opinion, as stated to the meeting in some prefatory remarks, that the address would have come better from a professed historian, several members of the Society being well known as entitled to that designation.  The Council, however, considered that, as Nelson’s tactical principles and achievements should be dealt with, it would be better for the address to be delivered by a naval officer—­one, moreover, who had personal experience of the manoeuvres of fleets under sail.  Space would not suffice for treating of Nelson’s merits as a strategist, though they are as great as those which he possessed as a tactician.]

Centenary commemorations are common enough; but the commemoration of Nelson has a characteristic which distinguishes it from most, if not from all, others.  In these days we forget soon.  What place is still kept in our memories by even the most illustrious of those who have but recently left us?  It is not only that we do not remember their wishes and injunctions; their existence has almost faded from our recollection.  It is not difficult to persuade people to commemorate a departed worthy; but in most cases industry has to take the place of enthusiasm, and moribund or extinct remembrances have to be galvanised by assiduity into a semblance of life.  In the case of Nelson the conditions are very different.  He may have been misunderstood; even by his professional descendants his acts and doctrines may have been misinterpreted; but he has never been forgotten.

The time has now come when we can specially do honour to Nelson’s memory without wounding the feelings of other nations.  There is no need to exult over or even to expatiate on the defeats of others.  In recalling the past it is more dignified as regards ourselves, and more considerate of the honour of our great admiral, to think of the valour and self-devotion rather than the misfortunes of those against whom he fought.  We can do full justice to Nelson’s memory without reopening old wounds.