Tryon's exercises and independent command

Tryon's 1888 maneuvers placed an inferior force in Irish ports against a larger fleet attempting a close steam blockade. These annual near-war exercises had begun in 1885, attracted press and public interest, and helped the Navy's campaigns for greater funding. The blockaders had to remain at sea with steam raised, while Tryon's ships could wait in friendly ports. Practical radio was unavailable, so the blockading force had difficulty coordinating at sea. Tryon could communicate between his two bases by shore telegraph. Markham commanded the cruisers watching the nearer entrance, giving him direct experience of Tryon's exercise methods before the Victoria collision.