The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1916-06-08
Work and Obedience
Summed Up Gospel of
Kitchener, Man of Iron

Horatio Herbert Kitchener, more
Familiarity known as 'K. of X, the man
of iron and relentless will, stern disciplin-
arian, efficient organizer, who seemed to
the world at large more of giant ma
chine than a man, lies dead somewhere
off the Orkney islands in the North sea,
victim of more implacable machine than
even he could combat.
Leaving England when very young
man, to assist in survey of Palestine,
the Orient from that time seemed to
claim him for its own, for, from then on,
most of his life was spent in voluntary
exile Four years in Palestine were fol-
lowed by another four-year survey of the
Island of Cyprus, after which Kitchener
began his career of II years in Egypt.
His first commission was that of COM
mander of the Egyptian cavalry, later
he was with the Nile expedition and final
" he was made adjutant general of the
Egyptian army.
It was through his Khartoum expedi-
ton in 1898 that Kitchener became best
known to the world. Parliament recog-
'nized his services by raising him to the
peerage and granting him 10000 pounds.
AS chief of staff in the South African war
in 1899-190O, and commander in chief of
the army in India 1902-1909, he achieved
notable position throughout Europe
and Asia and became famous figure to
America as well.
When the present war broke out he
was in England on leave of absence,
which the British parliament considered
piece of rare good luck. He was made
secretary of war, position he occupied
at his death.
Physically Lord Kitchener was large
boned, ungainly figure, six feet, three
inches tall, with brick red face in which
eyes of steely intensity looked out up
on offenders with merciless justice.
His gospel was work and obedience and
he expected of others what he was scrup-
ulously conscientious in rendering him.
self. He was possessed of grim, laconic
humor and, though he did not inspire
love, all men respected and trusted him.
There must have been another side 10
his nature which he kept hidden, for
children were invariably fond of him and
would approach him without fear.
His nature was conservatively reli-
gious. The first thing he did after kill
ing 1000 Dervishes to avenge General
Gordon, was to hold solemn service in
Khartoum; the next thing was to collect
funds for college in which the sons OF
the slain Dervishes could be educated.
To Kitchener is due the credit of end.
ing the reign of Mahdsm in Africa
and also the reconstruction of the Sou.
dan. Though considered more of an or.
ranizer and director than a soldier, he
could fight when occasion demanded it
His ability to brush aside non-essentialS
and red tape and arrive at the underly-
ing principle of the situation, was one
\ u his most valuable characteristics
Against the opinion of the majority he
asserted, at the beginning Of the present
war, that it would last three or four years
and asked for men by millions He built
up from practically nothing, an army of
1000, 900. His mind is said to have been
q sort of compromise between the Irish
and the Asiatic, and, on account of his
long life in the Orient. it was felt by
some that it would be better to place him
In Egypt where he could have charge of
the eastern end of the fighting for the
allies.
There can be but one opinion as tc
\ Lord Kitchener's faithful service to his
& country, and he possessed to marked de.
gree those two qualities so dear to the
heart of the British people, bulldog per.
!, Hnncity and pluck.