British naval strength discussed according to the Dutch newspaper Dagblad van Zuidholland en ’s-Gravenhage dated 16 April 1858

A news item dated London 13 April reported that the Common House on 12 April approved the naval budget. The former minister offered some decrease of the expenses causing a discussion of the naval strength of England compared with that of France. Sir Ch. Wood (1), lord Palmerston (2) and mr. Horsman (3) wanted that all naval establishments were kept in perfect order and in the future the number of ships of the line was increased. Sir John Pakington (4) stated that the security of the United Kingdom was not in danger and so it was better to decrease as an example for other countries.

Notes 

1. Charles Wood 1st Viscount Halifax (20 December 1800-8 August 1885), First Lord of the Admiralty in 1855-1858, Liberal politician and known as Sir Charles Wood 3rd Bt in the period 1846-1866.

2. Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscout Palmerston (20 October 1784-18 October 1865), known as Lord Palmerston, Tory later Liberal politician, Prime Minister between 6 February 1855 and 19 February 1858 and between 12 June 1859 and 18 October 1865 and Leader of the Opposition between 19 February 1858 and 11 June 1859.

3. Edward Horsman (8 February 1807-30 November 1876), Liberal politician, between 1855-1857 Chief Secretary for Ireland.

4. John Pakington, 1st Baron Hampton (20 February 1799-9 April 1880) known between 1846 and 1874 as Sir John Pakington, Bt, Conservative politician, Secretary for State of War and the Colonies 17 February-17 December 1852 and for just for War between 8 March 1867 and 1 December 1868.