THE KING'S MESSAGE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15611, 8 June 1916, Page 6

THE KING'S MESSAGE.

AN ELOQUENT TRIBUTE. THE E3IPIKE'S GREAT DEBT. SUPREME AXD DEVOTED SERVICE. army mourning ordered. (Received June 7th, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, June 6. The Kins hurriedly returned to town and summoned Mr Asquith to Buckingham Palace. The King, in an Army Order, expresses hia "profound regret at the death of Lord Kitchener, who gave 45 years of distinguished service to the State, It was Inrgely duo to his administrative genius and unwearying energy that the country was able to crcnto and place in tho field tho armies which to-day are upholding the traditional glories of the Empire. Lord Kitebcncr will be mourned by the Army as a great soldier, who, under unexampled difficulty, rendered supreme and devoted service to the Army and the Stato." His Majesty directs that all officers shall wear mourning for a week from June 7th.

A PERSONAL LOSS. A GREAT MAN MOURNED. STRIKING TRIBUTES TO DECEASED SOLDIER. TESTIMONY OF THE DOMINION'S. (Rcrcired Jnno 7tb, 8.10 p.m.") LONDON. June 6. Lord D&sHo rough, presiding at ameeting in London, said ho regretted Mr Asquith's absence from the distinguished company and explained tho reason. Speaking with emotion, he s>aid : — "Lord Kitchener and his staff, who were all personal friendts of mine, were going to Riu&ia on important business. Though sonic haro not always agree-d' with Lord Kitchener, the whole Empire will rocognise that wo have lost a very great mU?i and a very great soldier. Lord Kitchener was one of the first men in tho Empire who really understood what this war meant. We shall look in vain in futuro for his perspicacity and long-sighted views."

The Lord Mayor op London "Words fail to express what 0U( *'■*?: hearts fori. "Wo have lost a unique personality and ono of tho greatest men England over brought into existence. Wo is not dead in the truest «*nso. His inspiration -will mate Us steel our hearts with determination aud greater courage to fight the battle to a finish in the cau«a o f' righteousness and freedom." The Hon. Sir George rerley (Canada) said : "Tlio Dominions havo not. inertly regarded Lord Kitchener as a great man but as an institution. There was strong feeling in tho Dominion when it was suggested that. Lord Kitchener might be compelled to give up his work. This horrible tragedy will produce a feeling of deprivation ia the Dominions equal to that in Britain." Tho Hon. JJ. H. Wi»e, Agent-Gcnoral ■ for Now South Wales, said: — "Australia will feel a personal loss in tho death of Ivord Kitchener, who was responsible for the organisation of tho Australian Army. Tho institution of compulsory training j n Australia was the result of his personal influence. His death is tvpical of Jjis life —in the course of duty extending Britain's influence by nn important mission to Russia.'' Sir Thos. JMacUenzie, High Commissioner for N«w Zealand, said:-~ '•Wc in New Zealand regarded Lord Kitchener ;i? a man in whom wo wera justified in placing our absolute trust. Ho organised tho defenco jolicy of New Zealand. Sinc« I have come iu close eoutact with Lord Kitchener I have been more and more impressed with his outstanding ability and his almost superhuman power."

A GLORIOUS DEATH. LORD ROSEBERY'S EULOGY. • HE DID HIS DUTY." (Received June 7th. S.lO p.m.) , LONDON. Juno 6. Lord Roseberr, addrcstinct oonvalcicent soldiers .it F.psom. said:— "If the Prussians ciaim a Tict<wy at tho Skagoracli thev arc welcome to many such victovies. Tho British scemcn died n glorious death. lau confident that, thoir death has sow® the seeds of victory. We ought not to lament tho death of Lord Kitchener. He lived r full life and,, gained n reputation that no other roan in these islands possessed. He gained the confidence of his Own nation, of the Dominions, and of our Allies. His epitaph must be: 'He did his duty." . OUR GREATEST LEADER. i : GUIDING HAND LOST. MR HUGHES'S TESTIMONY. . ■ LONDON, Juiys 6. k,Mr w. M Hughes, Prime Minister#. Australia, who lias returned to in a tribute to Lord Kitchener, says:— • "He accomplished tho Jjerculoaa task of raising an army numbering millions. At a critical juncture, tho Umpire has lost its gniding hand and its greatest leader. We can best show how deo7> , 7' we deplore his losi by pressing on more resolutely." THE PEOPLE'S SOLDIEKPROFOUND GRIEF everywhere. LONDON PRESS TRIBUTES. (Received June 7th, 0 p.m.) LONDON. June 7. The tragic passing the great soldier who won the quiet confidence of the democracy «md tho proved confidence of the Empire hao evoked profound grief throughout the country, Tho newspapors publish olaborato biographies of Lord Kitchener, many personal sketches, and many tributes from Allied countries. "Tho Times" says:—"Lord Kitcueser > died in harness. The great armies he called into being- aro his living monument." - Tho "Daily Mail" says:—"Lord Kitchener's carecr one of romantic distinction. Ho was undoubtedly » great servant of tho State." The "Mail" adds that, the news of his departure for Russia may reached the enemy, and demands tna internment of all aliens in Britain.