The appointment of Rear-Admiral Lord Charles Beresford to be second in command of the Mediterranean Fleet withdraws from Parliament a man whose influential criticisms have done much to strengthen the Navy, and, in consequence, to maintain peace during the Foshoda friction between England and France. Even so, Lord Charles Beresford as member for York is a less useful personage than Lord Charles Beresford in an important sea command. The most popular man in the Navy, Lord Charles began his naval career by entering the Britannia as a cadet in 1859. He was then thirteen years of age, and it took him twenty-three years to reach his Captaincy. In the 'seventies he was Naval Aide-de-Camp to the Prince of Wales during his visit to India. His command of the Condor during the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882 brought him stars and mentions in despatches, as well as the popular homage always given in England to gallantry. As a sequel to the bombardment followed the organisation of a police system in Alexandria, and his was the task. Service in Lord Wolseley's staff during the Nile Expedition of 1884-85, and in command of the Naval Brigade at Abu Klea and Metemmeh, gained him fresh honours from the Government and from the man in the street. Operations in the Soudan won him the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. In 1886 he was Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, and resigned it two years later as a protest against the nation's neglect of the Fleet.

Source: Pages 900-1 of The Illustrated London News dated 23 Dec 1899

Lord Charles Beresford, who has received an important command in the Mediterranean proposes to resign his seat for York, but it is possible that he may retain it for a time in deference to the wishes of the Unionist Party in that city. It is curious that his appointment was vigorously denied by himself a short time ago, and that, his friends openly declared him to be the victim of intrigues. Unquestionably one of the ablest officers in the service, Lord Charles Beresford was not on the best terms with the Admiralty owing to his outspokenness. But all is harmony now.

Source: Page 903 of The Illustrated London News dated 23 Dec 1899

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