The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-07
British Cruiser Victim of Mine
or Torpedo Of the Orkney
Islands
BELIEF is GERMANS
ACCIDENTLY SCORED
Report of Heaviest Loss Suf-
fered Since War Began
Spreads CONSERVATION On
Secret Mission to Russia

London, June 6.--All Britain wa,
stunned tonight by grief over the
tragic loss OF Earl Kitchener. who
with his entire staff, as secretary OF
state for war. was drowned last night
off the Orkney Islands when the cruis-
err Hampshire. on which they were
voyaging for Russia, was sunk. FRS,
news of England's greatest personal
loss since the war began was made
public by the admiralty Just before
noon today in the following official
statement received from Admiral
Jellicoe
THE commander In chief of the
grand feet reports with deep re-
gret that Fl. VI. S. Hampshire,
Captain Herbert j. Saville. r. n,
with Lord Kitchener and his
staff on board, was sunk last night
about 8 O'Clock to the west of
the Orkney Islands, either by q
mine or torpedo.
-Four boats were seen by OBJ
servers on shore to leave the ship.
The wind was north northwest
and heavy sea was running.
Patrol vessels and destroyers at
once proceeded to the spot and
party was sent along the coast to
search, but only some bodies and
n capsized boat have been found
up to the present.
"As the whole shore has been
searched from tine seawaryi, I
greatly fear that there IL little
hope of there being any sur
vfyors.
mo report has yet been re-
ceived from the searching party
on short. III. VI. S. Hampshire
was on her way to Russia"
official hope of Earl Kitchener be
ing found alive was indicated as en-.
tirely abandoned when the press bur-
eau announced tonight that memorial
services would be held in st. Paui's al
a date as yet untixed An army order
also was issued directing that officers
shall wear mourning for the late wal
secretary for the week commencins
tomorrow.
Accompanying Earl Kitchener a
his staff, were Hugh James O'Beirne
former counsellor of the British en-
bassy at Petrograd and former Mini
ter at Sofia; Colonel o. A. Fitzgerald
private military secretary to the wal
minister. Brigadier General Eller.
shaw. Sir Hay Frederick Donaldson
technical adviser to the minister OF
munitions. Lieutenant r. D. Nc.
Pherson, and Detective Mclaughlin.
Loss May Total 500.
Officers and men aboard the Hamp-
shire numbered between 400 and 500
The casualties probably will total 500
The war minister and his STAFF were
proceeding to Russia at the special In
vitation of the Gear of Russia on a
special mission to discuss impo.tan,
questions connected with the military
and financial conduct of the war.
1t is understood on high authority
that Earl kitchener's visit to Russia
was kept profoundly secret. 1t was
practically Impossible for the Germans
10 have learned either that he was
going or orr what route the ship was
travelling.
That the Hampshire was tor
pedoed by German design there
fore is generally discounted. It
Is believed in the highest circles
that the ship either struck a mine
or was torpedocd In chahce en-
counter with Germa.- SUBJ
marine.
News of the death of England q
beloved X. of *" flew through the
streets like wildfire. Everywhere the
sad tidings created the utmost con-
sternation and expressions of deep
sorrow were heard everywhere.
Great Britain Mourns.
The blinds of the war office were
drawn tightly and slowly, one by one,
the flags throughout the city were
lowered to half mast.
Many public gatherings which were
In session al the hour of the official
announcement adjourned Immediate
ly The Baltic Exchange was closed
at once.
Deep sorrow and regret were ex-
pressed by the embassies and Legal
tons of the neutral governments in
Numerous callers arrived at
the government offices offering con-
dolences. As soon as the first shock
of the news had passed meeting
of the British war council was called.
In attendance were Sir William Rob-
ertson, chief of the imperial stan,
whom Earl Kitchener left in charge
of the war office: Sir Edward Grey.
secretary of foreign affairs; Reginald
chancellor of the exchequer.
and David Lloyd-George, minister OF
Robertson Probable Successor.
II was reported following the meet
ing that General Sir William Robert
son probably would succeed Earl
as head OF the war once.
Although the military effect OF the
death OF the war secretary known ~
England's greatest military organizer
was not lost sight of. 1t was believed
that because of the very efaciency
which Lord Kitchener has perfected
the work he has carried on with such
great skill will continue uninterrupked.
While the dominant spirit Of tAo
great military idol will 10 lat 81
the army thus ~ daprtvo4 r -