The morning call., 1894-12-31
BOOTHS VISIT.
1t Had Wonderful Effect on the
Army's Work.
THREE HUNDRED PENITENTs.
The Commanders Personal Influence
Has Given the Army Much
Better Standing.

The recent visit of General William
Booth, commander-in-chef of the Saliva
ton Army, has given an impetus TO the
work of salvation that is felt throughout
the entire Pacific Coast division of that
great organization. The wonderful per-
sonal magnetism of the man, who has
stirred the very foundations OF the neither
world and has broughtts denzens to their
knees and a realization of their iniquity.
has manifested itself in many ways. The
generals short stay in this city produced
results which indicate that he is no ordi-
nary man.
During the short time that Mr.. Booth
was in this city over 800 persons were
drawn to the army'S standard and ex-
pressed their peDitence and determination
to be converted. reform and lead better
lives hereafter. OF course, not all of these
will uphold their good resolutions ana con-
tinue to march under the banner of huml-
ity and seif-renunciation. Some OF them
who made their declarations under the in
huenca OF the great founder, leader and
organizer, will forget their fealty now that
his presence is Withdrawn, and will re-
turn to their customary vices, which by
habit have become part of their lives.
Not all who profess penitence ars real
converts" said Staff Captain Milsaps yes
terday. MANY came forward under The
wonderful influence of Commander Booth.
Proba bly, they never would have come had
it not been for him. 1t is also probable
that his departure was the signal for many
to lay down their good resolutions. Had he
remained for any length of time the con-
version of these professed penitents would
have become complete. and with them
would have come thousands of degraded
sinners in this city. But, of course, he
could not stay. The whole world is bis
battlefield. and he must move rapidly to 60
over il ali. Still, there are many who will
live TO bless the day they first saw General
Booth.
1--WE feel the good effects of our COM
mauder's visit in our work." Captain Mil
Saps went on. "We find that our labor Is
easier, our burdens have been lightened.
Wa no longer feel like struggling band
of scouts and skirmisheTs on an unknown
border, but like men and women who have
an earthly leader that can be trusted.
General Booth has made most favorable
impression wherever he has been all over
this coast. He commanded the respect
and admir- alton of the people, and this re-
spect naturally rebounds to the benefit of
the armv and will greatly aid us in our
work. We have been given standing In
the communitv-a recognition that in
many places has heretofore been with
held. Wherever the general has been and
kindlier chances and more confidence and
respect We feel that the work of re-
claiming lost souls and abandoned lives in
| this city, as we'll as elsewhere, Is easier
now than it was before the geoeraps visit.
And that is good thing for the lost souls,
| and for us, too" he added, senten tiOusly.
| In the matter of contributions to the
| army's fund for aid of the poor, the cold
| and hungry thousands, marked change
| for the better has been observed. People
| Of means seem to take better view of the
| army's charitable work and are more will
| ing to give of their plenty in order to sue
| cor the needy.
Gifts. large ana small, come in at fire.
| quenE intervals. A few days ago the
| California Jockey Club sent in a check for
| $500. TO be used as the army saw fit. 1t
! came too late to be used in making a
! Christmas spread for the foodless and
| homeless, but 1T will be used to good ad-
vantage on New Years day, when all who
! have no dinner TO go TO and nothing with
| which to buy will be amply fed at the
"Lifeboat' on lower Jackson street.
Articles of clothing and various kinds
| OF food supplies come 10 the army more
| frequently now than before the visit of
| General Booth. Still, as the officers say,
they DO not come as often as needed.
| They find great deal of suffering from
poverty among people who are disin-
clined TO make their poverty known, and
whose distress would not be known did
not the members of the army seek them
| out in all parts of the city. Captain Mil
| saps stated that the outside world would
| be astonished at the number of highly eju-
| Gated men who come to the aTmy's head
| quarters and ask for aid for no other
reason than that they can get no employ
ment for their knowledge and talents. In
| all such instances where the applicants
are found TO represent cases of worthy
| charity they are Immediately assisted
| without any fuss or blowing of trumpets.
| With reference to the wants of the unem-
ployed In this city, Captain Milsaps said:
1--WE have the facilities ana necessary
machinery ready at any time to feed 5000
| people day. All who are worthy and in
need will be fed, but The professional
tramps and bummers will be singled out
and left TO shift for themselves. MANY of
| these fellows do not want to work
wouldn't work if it were offered them to
do. We don't think it is right to accept
gifts from the public and then throw them
away on these worthless creatures. II
| they will not work when employment is
offered they must go elsewhere than TO the
Llfeboat to look for their food. We had
considerable experience with that class of
people last winter, and this winter we
will profit by that experience. We found
that in most cases meritorious poverty hid
its head, while the indolent tramps moaned
the loudest on the sandlot."
AS an instance of the drawing power Of
General Booth, Captain Milsaps RELAXED
how a liquor-dealer in certain interior
town came 300 miles to see and hear the
commander, aud finally became repentant,
! confessed and renounced his past sinful
career. and announced his determin ito L
henceforth to lead a Christian life under
the banner OF the Salvation Army.