Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-03-25
THE "SALVATION ARMY"


WHY THEY CAME HERE-HIsTORY OF THE
ARMY-ITs OPERATIONS, MODE OF WAR
FARE, ETC.
The advance guard of the "Army of Saliva
tion, " seven women and one man, arrived at
New York, Wednesday, on the steamship
Australia. The party consists Of Gen. G. S.
Railton, who is styled the commissioner for
America" and Sisters Capt. Westbrook and
Lieutenants Coleman, Graus, Morris, Pearson
Shaw and Price. The ladies are all very plain
in features, and are rising thirty years each.
Their costume consists of loose patrol cloak,
trimmed with red, bearing on the collar the
letter rs, " worked in gold on the collar of the
captain and in red on those Of the lieutenants.
About their hats are red bands, on which the
words "The Salvation Army" are inscribed
in gilt letters. They carry banner, having
a red ground and blue border, in one corner
of which is a small American flag, while in
the centre is sun bearing the words, "Blood
and Fire"
According to the New York papers, the
American wing of the Salvation Army has
come to this country for the professed purpose
of routing Satan and his followers, who are
supposed to have many strongholds here. The
present organization is the outgrowth OF the
efforts of Rev. VIM. Booth, a Methodist minis.
London. He was appalled, by what he calls
"Heathen England" and determined to do
something for the regeneration of the lower
class, whom the efforts of the labOrers for
Christ in the churches did not seem to reach.
He was aided by his wife, and their earnest
effort soon gathered about them little band
of workers, who went steadily ahead in the
course marked out by their leader. The name
of the organization was selected in the follow
ing manner: There was much talk at tile
time of a general armament. One of the
workers said, "We are volunteer, army
And from that the name grew. They organ
lied themselves as an army, Mr.. Booth TAX.
ing the rank Of general, and being assisted by
sub-commanders, lieutenants, sc. They went
forth to conquer, and were victorious in near.
ly all their campaigns
Their work progressed steadily, their ranks
were filled up with volunteers, and at the
close of last year they had enlisted 122 corps,
which were commanded by 195 officers. In
their weekly services they used 146 theatres,
music hall. and other buildings. Last year
they held 45,900 open-air services and &C, ,00C
indoor services. The active members EN-.
ployed as officers, ministers, missionaries,
Bible women, &C., amounted to PSI, and over
5000 others were ready at any time to enter
the service. The work, it is claimed, is in nc
way sectarian, although, as to devotion and
principles, it conforms nearly to those of the
early Methodist. The services consist Of a
relation of experiences. There are no preach
ers, but each convert is called upon to tell his
own experience. Their songs consist of new
words arranged for some of the most stirring
of the popular tunes, ancient and modern.
Some of the Moody and Sankey tunes are pres
sed into service, and, in fact, any good melo
dy that seems to suit their purposes.
Last year the army made successful cam
paigns in England and Wales, particularly
in South Wales. Cornwall, Lancashire, and
among the collieries of Dipton, Wellington
Kngswood and Wednesday,. After these
victories at home it was determined to send
a portion of the army across the sea to con
quer the heathen lands of America ; and an
order was issued from headquarters at White
chapel, London, directing Gen. Railton, with
an efficient force of seven woman, to move
upon the United States. He accordingly en-
barked with his little band, and after a pros
porous voyage effected a landing at Castle
Garden, where religious services were held
Immediately upon landing.