Tragedy of a Soldier.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1921, Page 1

Tragedy of a Soldier.

A BOOK ON KITCHENER,. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Aug. 10 Ford Esher’s book, “The Tragedy of Lord Kitchener,” was published today. The author writes: “The title of this book has not been evoked by the nature of Kitchener’s death, but it is intended to emphasise the tragic spectacle of a great man called to a greattask with a full consciousness that the powers which he served steadfastly in the past had deserted him. When Kitchener assumed control, he was no longer the Kitchener of Soudan, or of South Africa; but only .lie was aware of that fact, fiord Kitchener found at the War Office that all except one were aged, tired men, who trembled Indore him and his reputation. He was denied help and guidance, and in this novel situation, he lost his self-confi-dence. His vision was clear, but lie was unable to communicate it to others. Therefore lie was powerless before a Cabinet in which lie had no confidence. Accustomed all his life to independent action, Kitchener was at a disadvantage in collective action, and for this reason liis colleagues did not accord him their confidence. His steps faltered and his influence waned, so that at the most critical moments lie was hurled into action of which lie did not approve. He wanted a grand campaign in the Near Fast. His failure to gain this resulted in delay and misunderstanding;-” There is a poignant picture of fiord Kitchener on May filth, 15>!-Y. subsequent to the demand for more shells. Kitchen*'!-, disquieted, wrote: "1 am deadly sick of this system of intrigue, and if I get an excuse I will get out of it all.” In this way was the ro]iereiission of events, which Tiord French has already described, especially Colonel Repingtoii’s notorious telegram to "The Times.” fiord Fsher continues: "Kitchener sat atone in mufti, in a Soudan chair, with a quiet, gentle look like a wounded animal. The shell controversy illuminates the mail’s strength, his weakness, and Iris self-abnegation : blit displays him as not receptive of new ideas, disinelmed to adopi now met hods, which: In' did not originate, anil slow to take advantage of the experience of lesser men. Kitchener’s mediocre reasoning and his stolid approach to an obvious conclusion, irritated his colleagues and dcstioycd the admiration and affection. | and almost the respect, they once fell lor him. Kitchener's inability to eoii- \ iuce them of Ins sineorit, was fortifying. 'i lie contiasi between tire place which be knew that he occupied in the public esteem and what he knew was liu- inner mind of the earnest, colleagues he vainly tried in influence and guide, composed the tragedy.