Lords Sitting of 26 May 1815

NAVAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNTRY.
The Earl of Darnleysaid, he understood that the papers which he had moved for relative to the naval administration of the country had now been had on the table, and might be expected soon to be printed. The American war had, indeed, been ended, but at the same time an investigation into the naval administration as connected with that war might not be without its advantages. A new war had now commenced, or was about to commence in Europe; and though many were of opinion that it would not be of long duration, yet it could not be denied that the contrary was at least possible. The effect of a long duration of the European war might be the means of bringing about another American war; for the same question would arise, and. perhaps give occasion to a renewal of hostilities. Under these circumstances, he thought it might be useful still to call their, lordships attention to this subject, not so much with a view to censure the past as to provide against the recurrence of similar evils in future. In the hopes that all the papers would soon be printed, he now gave notice, that he should submit to their lordships a motion on this subject on Tuesday se'nnight, and he moved that the Lords be summoned for that day; which was ordered accordingly.