At the commencement of the “new era,” it may perhaps be expected that the Editor of the Naval Chronicle is to offer some declaration of sentiment as to future system. That, however, would be altogether a work of superarrogation. Uninfluenced by any change of men, and only anxious for the honour and welfare of the Country, they who, by their wisdom and patriotism, shall best conserve those, will have the strongest claim on the support of this publication.

It must not be denied, that the recent political changes seem likely to require a keen and steady eye, to contemplate their probable results. The revocation of the Orders in Council, of 1807 and 1809–those instruments which had so long been eulogised by some, and condemned by others–can scarcely fail of producing a considerable effect on our commercial relations; and, if, as there now seems reason for expecting, his Majesty's Catholic subjects of Ireland as well as of England, are to attain an equality of civil rights with the Members of the Established Church, great and important mutations must occur in the Kingdom at large, comprehending of course the naval and military services. To mark the nature and extent of that effect, and to record the progress and consequences of such changes, will fall peculiarly within the province of the Editor of the Naval Chronicle.