The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-02

interesting in the history of this
 great empire of the east.
 The following article, written
 especially for this paper by a
 man of over 80 years experience
 in India journalism, not only
 discloses many intimate facts
 long hidden in the channels of
 diplomatic secrecy but throws a
 vivid sidelight upon the social
 and political life of this newly awakened nation.
 By E. J. BUCK, c. B. E.
 Reuter's Agent with the Govern
 ment of India.)
 Copyright, 1923, in U. S. and Great Alliance for The Ase-Herald. All rights reserved.)
 CALCUTTA, Dec. My connec- tion with journalism in India now extends weA over 30 years for it was in the eighties that I joined Reuters as their agent with the gov ernment of India at Simla and Cal cutta, and during that time 1 have had numerous, what may be called, journalistic adventures and expert. ences some of which I now intend to relate. These "reminiscences will contain inter alia a few stories, probably not yet told, regarding the serious differences between Lord 1uTZOH NLne VlCeTOND, anu LOru Kitchener (the commander in chief), which led to the formers resigna- tion in 1905, the bombing of Lord Hardinge at Delhi by Indian An- archists and the German crown princes romantic adventure during his Indian tour 12 years ago.
 The serious difference which oc- cured between Lord Curzon and Lord Kitchener over the military administration question in 1905, and which ended in the resignation of Lord Curzon, was an exciting time in the history of India. and in a way it was the most difficult summer recollect Lord Curzon telling me one day while the controversy ragged that he had just received a tele- gram from the prime minister, say ing that certain of my messages were source of considerable em- barrassment to the home govern ment, and I also remember suggest ing to him that he should resign be- cause I felt sure Lord Kitcheners s great popularity with the British public would certainly prevent the cabinet supporting the viceroy against the commander-in-c chief If things came to a crisis.
 Later on Lord Curzon told me he was sorry he had not taken my ad vice, but he characteristical added he was amazed tamy audacity in having dared to speak to him about resignation as I had done. However in the end l received letters which needless to say l prize, from both the viceroy and the commander-in- chief thanking me for what 1 had done for them.
 Fitchener's Glass And His Aim.
 In November. 1903, Lord Kitchener had a serious fall from his horse in tunnel on the Simla -Masho obra road leading out to Wildf1ower Hall then his country house in the woods about six miles distant from Simla. On that occasion the commander-in-ch chief broke his leg rather badly and the following year found him still lamc from the effects of the fall. have personally for many years made it 9 point each autumn to enjoy a few days pleasant and chilSore (partridge) shooting in the hills, and I remember arranging the first hill shoot Lord Kitchener enjoyed near Simla in the little neighboring hill state of Dhami.
 Later on I went out for a couple of days into camp with Lord Kitche- ner, Maj. Frank Maxwell, V. C., and Maj. R. Barnes, A, D. c. Maxwell. a very gallant soldier, afterwards be- came Military Secretary to Lord Hardinge and fell as a brigadier gem eral in France in September, 1917. Barnes l think, eventually com manded the Tenth Hussars.
 Well, we were shooting in the Junga hill state some 20 miles away from Simla, and the Raja of Junga, fine sportsman and brilliant shot, who has also passed away. was our most excellent host. Lord Kitchener, a very Keen but by no means 8 relia- ole shot, was carried over most of the steep ground in palancuin by some dozen stalwart hill men and after hard and tiring morning we all sat down to lunch on the hillside in an u7commonly hot and stuffy valley.
 remember very we'll how Lord Kitchener enjoyed a remarkably gen erous modicum of bottled heer on that occasion, and how laer on when the kitmatgar Qndian waiter) produced a particularly large glass of port chief. Maxwell drowned at mo heavily. and l calculated Good Lord"
 Whats the matter?' said Lord Kitchener.
 Surely sir I said. you're not go- ing to drink port m this heat and after all that beer?"
 Why not?' growled the chief
 Well. you'll not hit any more b, ds If you do,' I rejoined.
 And a minute afterwards, evidently very annoyed, he said gruffly: Damn, lajao" (take away) to the servant. and Frank Maxwell mur- mured Well done" An hour or so later the beaters were again at work and we were all lining the side of a difficult and precipitous khud. I was little below Lord Kitchener, when there was cry of ata (coming) from. the beaters, and a fine old cock ka- lege pheasant came swinging at a tremendous speed down the steep hillside
 Bang" And the bird crashed down some 30 yards below me, clean killed by a shot from Lord Kitchener. A minute or two later small kark CT (barking deer) tore down through the scrub in front of the chief at some 80 yards. Lord Kitchener picked ur his rifle and toppled it over with a really splendid shot. I have seen many hundreds of successful shots in the Himalayas, but never two finer ones than those Lord Kitchener hap pened to make on that occasion. Then came his voice ringing down the nullah. Buck, are you there?"
 "Yes, sir, shouted I in return.
 Did you see those two shots ?' cried an exultant voice.
 T shouted again, Rather splendid shots, both of them"
 "Whv the SOmefhinp Sorethin~