The Admiralty has published a long statement upon the loss
of Hampshire ' -in June, 1916. Nobody who is willing Ao be-convinced:will have any doubt. now -that the vessel struck a mine moored a few days before to the West of the Orkneys by a German submarine, or that Lord Kitchener died by drowning or exposure in' the bitterly cold water_ as the whole ship's company' did, except twelve survivors. The causes and circumstances of this, most unhappy event are set out in detail. The various ridiculous stories of spies and treachery and of bushed up reports. are completely dissipated by- this statement. They have not been the less distasteful or painful for being discreditable to the common sense of those who have given them utterance. The vessel was lost with the great man and his unfortunate staff and her crew by the fortune of war and weather. Surely that is enough cause for-regret without any fanciful embroidery.
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