Wednesday May 19th was the date fixed for the discussion on the prize essay of the year at the United Service Institution, the topic being "Maritime Supremacy being essential for the general protection of the British Empire and its Commerce, to what extent, if any, should our Naval Forces be supplemented at home and abroad, and to whom should they be confided." Both the prize-winning essay and one that had received a honourable mention were discussed. The general consensus of opinion was, that the first essential in the defence of England was complete supremacy at sea. Secondly, land defence was needed against a sudden attack if there was a temporary gap in the system of naval defence. Thirdly, that owing to the enormous and pressing demands that would be made on the Navy in time of war, coastland defence must necessarily be undertaken by the army.