The changes in the squadrons, with certain details of reorganisation made on the ground of economy or policy, have entirely altered the character of the Mediterranean Squadron, which now consists of two divisions only, with a detachment in the Levant, and a light squadron attached. The gunnery and torpedo training ships iuave been suppressed, and three modern battleships have been assigned to the work. In the same way the pilotage training posts have been abolished at Toulon an in Corsica, Algeria, and Tunis, and the training is to. take place in two torpedo Doats attached to the squadron, Except, therefore, for the boats of.the mobile defence, the whole of the commissioned ships in the Mediterranean are now under the direction of Vice-Admiral, Fournier. This officer, who is the youngest of his rank—his age is 56—has a brilliant record, and has the complete confidence of the Minister. He has held important local commands and official positions, and was selected for his present office, contrary to
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