se-power; two armour-clad turret vessels for the
Dutch Government of large size; and last but not least, the well-known
Hotspur, which was launched in 1870.

There is one circumstance connected with Mr. Napier's career which,
while it may have led eventually to his more intimate and cordial
relations with the Admiralty, must also reflect credit upon his good
sense and accommodating disposition. In the earlier days of steam
navigation, and before it had been applied to Government ships, the
Admiralty were without any school or dockyard where naval officers could
be taught the principles and practice of the science. They tried, but
unsuccessfully, to obtain admission into the more important private
shipbuilding establishments on the Thames, such as Mosley's and
Rennie's; and at last, as a _dernier resort_ they resolved to try the
Clyde. Making their requirements known to Mr. Napier, he received them
with every consideration, and cordially acceded to their wishes, not
only giving them perfect and unrestrained liberty to make use of his own
works, but also securing for them the privilege of sailing free of
charge in many of the vessels that then frequented the port of Glasgow.
Some of these young officers subsequently obtained certificates as to
their knowledge of steam navigation from Mr. Napier; and we understand
that the Lords of the Admiralty did not lightly esteem credentials from
such a source.

Having been so constantly and deeply immersed in the cares of his own
extensive business, Mr. Napier, prior to his complete retirement into
private life, had no time to devote to municipal or imperial politics.
He was, however, even while most engrossed with his own affairs, an
indefatigable promoter and supporter of all movements tending to the
well-being of the city. In the local institutions of engineers and
shipbuilders he has always taken a peculiar interest, and his sympathy
and co-operation were never invoked for a deserving object in vain. In
recognition of the eminent services he has rendered to marine
architecture, he has had many honours heaped upon him. He was a juror
of the Paris Exhibition of 1855, when he received the gold medal of
honour, and the decoration of Knight of the Legion of Honour; he was
chairman of the jury for Class 12 (Naval Architecture, &c.) of the
National Exhibition 1862, and Royal Commissioner of the Paris Exhibition
1867, and then received a grand prize. He was one of the committee for
the