It was important for us in 1870-71 to take Paris quickly, in order to forestall any interference of neutrals.

Similar conditions might arise in the case of England.

We must therefore make up our minds that the attack by sea will be made with the greatest and most persistent vigour, with the firm resolve to destroy completely our fleet and our great commercial centres.

It is also not only possible, but probable, that England will throw troops on the Continent, in order to secure the co-operation of her allies, who might demand this guarantee of the sincerity of English policy, and also to support the naval attack on the coast.

On the other hand, the land war will display the same kind of desperate energy only so far as it pursues the object of conquering and destroying our naval bases.