Sea Lords Fight Churchill.

New York Times 100 years ago today, December 22, 1912:
All May Resign as Result of a Row in British Admiralty.
    LONDON, Dec. 14.— When Winston Spencer Churchill took control of the Admiralty as First Lord there was much speculation as to how a minister of his enterprising and pugnacious temperament would work with the Sea Lords, who have been accustomed to dominate in professional matters.
    The resignation of the First Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Francis C. Bridgeman-Bridgeman, whom Prince Louis of Battenberg succeeds, is followed by rumors that all the Sea Lords have threatened to resign.
    The question of veracity between the First Lord of the Admiralty and Vice Admiral Bridgeman which has arisen has caused a sensation. Mr. Churchill, pressed by Lord Charles Beresford in the House of Commons for an explanation, declared that Vice Admiral Bridgeman's retirement was due solely to his health and on Mr. Churchill's request.
    The Vice Admiral, when asked by a reporter if he had retired on account of his health, replied: "My answer is in the negative."
    The friction is believed to have been begun by Mr. Churchill insisting upon directing the details of the last manoeuvres against the advice of the Sea Lords. There is considerable opposition to Prince Louis of Battenberg holding the highest position in the navy on the same grounds that the army long opposed the Duke of Cambridge having the highest command, namely, that it was given to him because he was a member of the royal family instead of for professional competency.
    The First Lord of the Admiralty and the leading Admirals are unquestionably antagonistic. Some Liberals even express fear that the efficiency of the navy may be jeopardized on this account.