The Tomahawk., 1916-06-15
BRITISH MINISTER OF WAR LOSES
LIFE WHEN n. M. S. HAMP-
SHIRE is DESTROYED BY
MINE OR TORPEDO.
ONLY CAPSIZED BOAT AND
SOME BODIES ARE FOUND
War Leader Was on Way to Russia
When Disaster Occurred-Vessei
Sent to Bottom to the West OF
the Orkneys-LittIe Hope
For Survivors.

Earl Kitchener, secretary Of state OF
war, and his staff, who we're proceeo-
ina to Russia aboard the cruiser
Hampshire, we're lost off the Orkney
islands Monday night, was the most
stunning blow Great Britain has re-
ceived since the war began.
Kitchener YVES the one outstanding
personality whom the people talked or
and believed in as great man, not
withstanding newspaper attacks
which at a former period in the war
threatened to undermine public conf
dence in him.
London, June Earl Kitchener,
secretary OF state for war, England
greatest military organizer, and the
conqueror of the Soudan, with his en-
tire staff, persisted when the cruiser
Hampslire was sunk off the Orkney
islands by mine or torpedo.
Admiral Jellcoe, commander of the
British grand fleet, reported to the
admiralty that the Hampshire with
Kitchener and his staff aboard, went
down off the West Orkneys.
Accompanying Earl Kitchener as his
staff were Hugh James O'Beirne, for
mer minister at Sofia, O. A. t1tZger-
aid, Earl kitchener's private military
secretary; Brigadier General Eller-
shaw and Sir Frederick Donaldson.
Meeting of Council Called.
When the news of the sinking of
the cruiser Hampshire with Earl
Kitchener and his staff Oh board was
received in London, meeting OF the
British war council was Immediately
called. Sir William Robertson, chief
of the imperial staff, who probably will
become the head Of the war office;
Sir Edward Grey, secretary for for
eign effairs; Reginald McKenna, chan
cellor of the excheuuer and David
Lloyd George, minister of munitions,
were present at the council.
Little Hope For Survivors.
Four boats were seen to leave the
Hampshire, but heavy sea was run
ming. Only capsized boat and some
bodies have been found. Earl Kitchen
er was on his way to Russia.
Admiral Jellicoe reports there is lit
tie hope there were any survivors.
Horatio Herbert Kitchener was Eng
lands foremost soldier, taking that
distinction when Lord Roberts, Little
Bobs," died. He was born at Crotter
house. Bally Longford county, Kerry,
June "a, 1850, son of the late Lieuten-
ant Colonel Fl. Fl. Kitchener OF Cossing-
ton, Worcestershire. and Miss Cheva
lier of Aspall hall, Suffolk.
He was educated at the royal mill
. tary academy in Woolwich and enter
ed the royal engineers In 1871.
Given Many Honors.
His progress thereafter was: Pales-
tine survey, 1S74-7S; Cypress survey,
1882; commanded Egyptian cavalry,
1SS2-S4; Nile expedition, 1SS4-S5; gov
ernor of Suakim, 1868: Dongola eX
peditionary force. 1896; promoted to
mapor general, X. G. B.; commanded
Khartoum expedition, 1898; given
thanks of parliament and raised to the
peerage with grant of $3.50, 700; chief
of staff of forces Of South Africa, 1892
1900; commander in chief, 10000;
promoted lieutenant general and gener-
al, received viscountric with a grant
of 1929, 900 and thanks of parliament;
commander in chief of India in 1902
90: member of committee of imperial
defense, 1910; at the beginning Of the
present war was made minister of war;
he held the position at the time of his
death.