The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-07-13
Arrival at Metropolis Signal
for Hurricane Of En-
thusiasn
IS HEAD AND SHOULDERS
OVER THE GREAT CROWD
Was Conducted to Kings Bed Room,
Where He Was Warmly Greeted
and Presented With Decora-
tlon of Merit.

London July 12-Lord Kitchener reached
London at 12:4S p. m. and his passage
through the metropolis was one of the
most memorable of the many remark
able receptions of the past three years.
The small procession of carriages and
his staff IN simple serviceable veIdt dress
lacked the spectacular featursss bit evil
IDENTIFY the crowd was there h It's tens of
thousands TO see the man of the hour
and not a pageant.
From the moment he set foot in London
to the time of his disappearance beneath
the portal of st. James palace Kitchener
received such an outburst Of popular en-
thvsiasm as quite overshadowed the dem
onstrations on previous similar occa-
sions.
Received as a Hero.
The platform at Paddfngton railroad
station when Kitchener arrived looked
more like a reception room of the war
office or India office than railway sta
tion. It was covered with red carpets
and decor ated with profusion OF flowers
and palms. while rows of decorated
stands crowded with spectators, had
been erected at all parts from which a
view Of the returning general could be
obtained.
The platform itself was crowded with
distinguished personages, including In
dian princes in resplendent Costumes
generals and other officials in full uni
form and many ladies in beautiful sum-
mer dresses. The Prince of Wales, Duket
of Connaught, the Duke Of Cambr1c1ge,
Lord Roberts, the commandaer-in-ch
Lord Lansdowne, the f9pfeign secretary
Mr.. Brodericl.s 4he war q secretary, the
Duchess of Somerset, Lady ,f,2 2oberts, Lady
French, Major General Sir rFrancis r.
Wygate, succeeded Kitchener ass sidar OF
Egyptian army, and Governor u5eneral
soudan and Major General Slatin Eeact-'
British inspector general of the Soudan. L.
were among those who assembled to g1Ieee
the general
Great Cheer Given.
When Kitchener's train arrived. punf
luol 70 the minute tremendous cheek
greeted the latest hero as he emerged
from his car and shook hands with the
Prince of Wales He stood head and
Shoulders above nearly every one on
the platform and his workmanlike khaki
uniform, with large sun-helmet, made
familiar by his pictures, was in striking
contrast to the glittering uniforms and
rows of medals and orders worn by most
of those In waiting.
The reception lasted ten or fifteen min
nfeS when the RT1nCS OF WdleS elilu ctllci
members of the royal family drove of.
Lord Kitchener and Generals French and
Hamilton took seats In one or the royal
carriages and followed by the brilliant
headquarters staff, headed by Lord Rob
erts and an escort, left the station, and
amidst loud cheering from those inside,
which grew into perfect roar as Kitch-
ener and his companions came In sight
of the great gathering OUTSIDE.
In spite of his hatred of ''palaver" the
popular general was obliged to submit to
The presentation of welcoming addresses
at Paddington and other points on his
way to St James Palace, but his replies
were cut as short as politeness permitted
and he showed evident signs of RELIEF
when the procession was resumed.
Thousands Lined Route.
The route throughout was decorated
with Venetian masts, banners. flags and
streamers with monograms of welcome,
lined the way, colonials and Indian sold
iers being utilized as well as the local
regiments.
Every vantage point, even to the house
tops, was occupied by sight-seers. and
solid masses of people gathered IN all
the open spots, such as Hyde park corner,
and the space in front of buckingham
palace, while the sidewalks, stands, win
dows and roofs were packed with gaily
dressed spectators who waved flags. hats
and handkerchiefs and shouted with
warmth that showed their hearts were in
the welcome.
The vast stands on Constitution hill
we're crowded with PEOPLE belonging to
The highest class of society, and Kitche-
rer's well-knovn antipathy to drawing
room folk Immediately became apparent.
Whereas he had all smiles to the man in
the street. his features here became i'm
mobile and he contented himself with
an old military salute until he reached
The open ground In frcnt of Buckingham
ralace, where the popular ovation was
repeated
cheered by Queen.
Shortly before the arriva! of the pro-
cession at Buckingham palace Queen
Alexandra and the princesses appeared
on a balcony and remained >here until
the victor of South Africa passed in his
friumphal journey to st. James palace,
which he entered amidst a final hurri-
Gene Of cheers.
Kitchener and the generals who accom-
panied him were entertained at lun-
cheon in the great banqueting hall. where
covers were laid for 80 persons. The
Prince of Wales occupied the central
seat with secretary of state for war; The
hall was Roberts opposite.
His royal highness also expressed con
1idence that the sovereign sentiments In
this matter were shared by the empire,
which had watched with admiration the
generals ability, skill and patience. quail
tiles in which his army had followed his
example Kitchener made brief reply.
which exhausted the toast list, and soon
after o'clock the general proceeded to
Buckingham Palace to 'eee the King and
Queen.
Lord Kitchener was speedily conducted
to the Kings sick chamber, and his maj
esty from his couch extended a warm
welcome to the general. and personally
Kitchener with the decoration of the new
order Of merit. The general then saw the
Queen, after which ha drove to Lord
Roberts residence in Portland Place.
Kitchener will visit Mr. chamberlain. the
colonial secretary. Monday.