The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-07-13
TOASTED BY THE PRINCE

tered amidst nnal hurricane OF cneeTs.
TOASTED BY THE PRINCE.
Kitchener and the generals who accom-
panied him were entertained at luncheon
in the great banquet hall. where covers
were laid for fifty persons. The Prince Of
Wales occupied the central seat, with
Kitchener on his right and with Lord
Roberts opposite. Among the guests were
the premier. Lord Salisbury. Lord Lans-
downe, Mr.. Brodrick and Lord Raglan. the
under secretary Of state for war. The hall
was hung with pictures representing war
scenes. The luncheon occupied an hour and
a half. The Prince of Wales toasted King
Edward and then proposed a toast 10
Kitchener. The Prince expressed the pleas
IRE which II gave him TO extend TO the
general IL behalf Of the King, the heartiest
congratulations on the successful manner
In which he had terminated the long and
arduOCs campaign. His Royal H1ghneSs
also expressed confidence that the sover-
eiSns sentiments in this matter were
shared by the empire which had watched
with admiration the generals tenacity, skill
ana patience. qualities in which his army
had followed his example. Kitchener
made brief reply. which exhausted the
toast list and soon after o'clock the gen.
eral proceeded TO Buckingham Palace TO
see the King and Queen.
Lord Kitchener was speedily conducted to
the Kings sick chamber and his Majesty
from his couch extended a warm welcome
TO the general and personally expressed
his thanks for the termination of hOstili-
ties. The King then presented Kitchener
with tn decoration OF the new Order of
Merit The general then saw the Queen,
after which he drove TO Lord Roberts's 3
residence in Portland Place. Kitchener
will visit Mr.. Chamberlain, the colonial
secretary, on Monday.
Even the renewed anticipation caused by
the announcement that the coronation Of
King Edward viii occur in August falls 70
cetract from the nations absorbing in
terest In its idol and its puzzle. Columns
OF alleged anecdotes concerning the gem
eral and voluminous descriptions OF mis-
life, and especially of his recent campaign
in South Africa, monopolZe the news
papers. The coronation arches which were
previously being torn down are now re-
decorated in his honor.
THE NEW VISCOUNT.
A striking description of the new Wis
count doubtless founded on intimate
knowledge of the general. appears in the
London Times to-day. 1t concludes
three-cOlumn review by it's special war cor
respondent of Kitchener's work in South
Africa. For some reason" says the cor
respondent, after the Soudan campaign,
Kitchener was represented as a cool. calcu-
lating machine. hard and unbending in his
dealings with other men, a truly exag-
gerated portrait. He possesses. indeed,
character which is firm, determined and
steadfast. When he faces a difficult prob
lem, all considerations foreign TO solving
that problem are brushed aside; but those
who have been in contact with him can
never say he is inhuman or unreasonable.
Doubtless he has faults. Perhaps the
greatest of these is his desire to saddle
himelf with the responsibility for every
thing under his control and to be intimately
connected with more detail than human
mind can conveniently embrace. That he
is feared by his subordinates is true; but
he certainly is loved by those who have
worked successfully for him. Though he
may have made mistakes in judging the
quality of some men, in the main it will
be found that these mistakes are few, and
while he may not possess the magnetic in
fiuence of some leaders in winning the
hearts of his subordinates, he will always
preserve his ascendency, both as a soldier
and a statesman.
The Spectator voices public opinion in
characterizing Kitchener as a great i'm
perial asset.
Before long the man who ended the South
African war is likely TO appear in a new
role and one less pleasant TO the popular
taste. The royal commission 10 investi-
gate the conduct of the war is being
formed, and Lord Kitchener will doubtless
be examined at length. An air of nervous
ness already pervades the War Office re-
garding the opinions which the general
may then express That he will condone
all the mfsmanagement which has been so
palpably displayed. is hardly in keeping
with his previous reputation.