THE LATE LORD ROBERTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 274, 17 November 1914, Page 4

THE LATE LORD ROBERTS.

EMPIRE INTERESTS TO THE LAST IBy Electric leleqeaph— Ooprawat, United .Press -Association. London, November 15. Lord Roberts’ last words are contained in an interview with Count I Demi for the Echo de Paris on Tuesday, prior to Ids departure for France. He declared that the primary reason of his visit was to see his dear Indian troops. He intended to speak to General French regarding the unnecessary secrecy observed over the brave deeds of the British soldiers. War ; correspondents ought to be allowed to 1 receive a fair amount of information, 1 apart from military movements, which must be kept absolutely secret. He urged that correspondents should be permitted to write up details of the glorious actions fought by our troops. France, with conscription, could afford to remain silent, but Britain wanted many more men, and if they failed to inform the Home people of the soldiers’ brave fights and gallant deeds, how were they going to waken in the souls of the young men the high sentiment of emulation which would lead them to the recruiting officer? They don’t know that every minute they are losing is of priceless value, and that delay is, perhaps, jeopardising future battles. He paid a high tribute to the French army and Generals, particularly General Joffre. As a gunner himself, be commented on the merits of the French 75-millimetre gun. France, he said, would shortly feel the effects of the great support England was preparing to give. Ho added: “The people don’t realise our men are fighting continuously against tremendous odds. We want more men to

equalise matters. The information given regarding the London Scottish Regiment might be repeated about other regiments.” Ho concluded; “I’ll (.alk to General French about it.” THE UTILITARIAN MIND. "THE MOST USEFUL THING I CAN DO AT THE MOMENT,” London. November 10. “J must go and see my Ipdian soldiers. It is the most useful tiling 1 can do at the moment,” Lord Roberts said to an intimate friend prior to departing for France. 11 ith this last service done, he passed away. Lord Roberts was received by the Maharajah Bikanir and Sir Pertab Singh (the latter being a close friend 'lor nearly 60 .years) on Thursday, at the Indian headquarters. On Friday he visited the British, and on returning to headquarters in the evening experienced a chill. His. son-in-law and daughter were with him throughout. In deference to the family desire, he will he buried privately at All Saints’, Ascot, adjacent to his home. The King sent an autograph letter of condolence with the widow. Lord Roberts visited the wounded Indians at Boulogne, and conversed with them in Hindustani. He received a great ovation from the Indians at the front.’ He frequently said: “I am so glad I came.” The Bishop of Salisbury referring to the death of Lord Roberts, said he had been like a voice in the wilderness, warning the country of a peril that she was too blind to see. Yet, when the storm broke, Lord Roberts uttered no reproaching word. Army surgeons and specialists hastened from all parts of the front to attend Lord Roberts, but their skill was unavailing. When the news reached the trenches, many old-timers broke down,' sobbing bitterly. It is reported from Calcutta that the death caused deep gloom everywhere in India, particularly at the military centres. SOUTH AFRICAN TRIBUTES. Capetowy, November 15. The newspapers publish appreciative tributes to Lord Roberts’ services to the Empire and South Africa. TRIBUTES FROM FOREIGN - COUNTRIES. t ’ ■ (Received 8.15 a.m.) London, March 16. Many French, Italian# and Danish tributes of Lord Roberts have been published. GERMAN PRESS PAY TRIBUTE. (Received 8.45 a.m.) Amsterdam, November 1(3. Practically the whole German press pay tribute to Lord Roberts. REMARKABLE PEACEFUL END. THE IDOL OF ASCOT. (Received 8.45 #>.m.) London, November 16. Another account of the death oL Lord Roberts states that it was not till after dinner that he complained of a slight chill. Being subject to chest troubles, he retired early, hut his temperature increased, and three doctors decided that his condition was critical, Lord Roberts complained of pain, which the doctors relieved, and he fell asleep. Without showing uneasiness he passed- away in his sleep. It is expected the funeral will be at All Saints’, Ascot, where he resided for eleven years.

The amount of his correspondence right up to the end was enormous, but he. always wrote his own letters. He conducted morning prayers every day for the household, was a Very regular churchgoer, and always walked rather than give the chauffeur work. Everybody in Ascot worshipped him. Lady Roberts has declined the offer of burial in Westminster Abbey. V ONE OF HIS LAST REGRETS. London, November 16. (Received 10.10 a.m.) Among Lord Roberts’ last remarks in England were regrets at too great secrecy iff the military censorship concerning bravery and deeds of troops.

MESSAGE BY MR MASSEY. Per Press Association. Wellington, November 16. In answer to a message from the editor of , the Daily Express, London, announcing the death of Lord Roberts, the Prime Minister sent the following cablegram:—“The death of Lord Roberts has removed a most picturesque and beloved personality from the English Army. His brilliant record of conspicuous services to the Empire, and his intense desire to ensure the preparedness of the nation in time of danger. gave him a pre-eminent place in the affections of not only the Mother Country, but of the dominions oversea. New Zealand, in common with the other dependencies, to-day mourns the loss of the illustrious Colonel-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces. Flags are half-masted on the public buildings and schools throughout the Dominion.” i