The herald., 1896-03-02
Incline to Follow BaIIingtOn
Booths Leadership
DETAILS NOT DECIDED ON
The Ex-Commander Determines Not TO
Remain Idle
The New Movement will Not BE Hostile to
the One He Has Labored to
Up!ft

Associaed Press Special Wira
New YORK, March 1.-The announce
ment that Mr.. and Mrs. Ballington Booth
would head a separate religious movement
interested q large body of the officers, as
we'll as the rank and file, of the Salvation
army in this city today. There was the
usual revival meeting held at the Four
teenth.street headquarters, where Captain
Keith was conductor, but none Of the
speakers made any reference to the army
troubles. Few members of the army were
willing to express openly their feelings
toward the new movement. but it was
plain from their demeanor that their old
leader had still the strongest hold on their
affections, and most of them will, in the
event of a separate movement, follow his
lead.
Col. Nicol and Eva Booth we're both in
Newark today, attending meeting OF the
army previous to holding nesting in
Cooper Union in this city this evening.
Col. Eadie was also out of town on mis-
sion concerning the welfare of the army.
Ballington Booth, eX-commander OF the
Salvation Army in the United States, gave
out the following statement tonight;
"Being continually pressed upon all
sides to state definitely what action | Will
take. desire to make known our present
position.
"First-We did not wish it said that we
had taken the Salvation Army; that we
had through ambition swept the organiza-
ton in this country out of the generals
hands, or that we had taken property
which we had acquired while owning alle-
glance to him. Furthermore, we did not
want to influence those under his author
ity, through their loyalty and steadfast-
ness TO us, nor have it said that we proved
faithless to a trust reposed in us, so far as
administration was concerned. We had
no alternative but to accept our dismissal,
which closed our allegianceships and nego-
tiations with London.
''Secoud, We cannot, however, close our
eyes to the fact that we have another al
legiance; We are not our own and cannot
dispose of our lives and Influences to please
ourselves. God has called us to work for
Him. We dare not, therefore, remain idle.
We have also at heart the interest of our
country which so loudly calls to us 10 con-
tinue our mission. Seeing that the people
OF the United States, in an urgent and un-
nistakable manner. have voiced their de-
sire that we inaugurate movement at
fording us an opportunity to continue our
labors for the uplifting OF the unchurched
and unchrst;an people Of our country and
as there appears to he 40 alternative be-
tween this course and retiring from public
service, we have decided Oh the former
course of action. 1t is furtherest from our
desires that such a new and independent
movement should be hostile to the one we
have labored 80 long and so hard to uplift.
The United States, with its vast and ever
increasing population, should offer ample
room for such efforts without uncbristian
warning.
"Third-It would be premature to de-
eide on the details of our future labors.
We seek above all else Gods leading, and
an organization cannot be formed within
a day, and ono that owns Christ as its head
cannot be founded on the opinion and en-
thusiasm of moment. We shall probably
have but small beginning and gain
strength step by step.
"Fourlh-We shall assuredly, under any
circumstances, stand for the principles we
have hitherto upheld, having for our aim
the saving of souls, the unity of effort in
work, spri ual plainness and self-sacritice
and simplicity of dress that speaks of our
Christ following.
done in body and overstrained in nerve.
give out the date when we shall be able to
commence public work. Indeed. it will be
seen to he wise to do nothing in haste lest
it should be ill done, but TO do all with fore
thought, that il may be well done and per-
manently done. We are most anxious not
to act upon impulse or under strong press
ure, but as God shall guide us through
circumstances and with cool and calm
Judgment as to what we believe and feel to
be right. In closing we desire to assure all
who are interested in this matter tt at we
have earnestly consecrated our lives to the
service of strengthening righteous princi-
Piles and extending Gods kingdom in
America
(Signed) BALLlNGTON BOOTH,
MAUD B. BooTH."
Eva Booth and Colonel Nicol led a meet
ing of the Salvation Army at Cooper Union
tonight. The large hall was crowded, and
fre nds of Baliingion Booth and his wife
were evidently in the majority.
Colonel Nicol and Miss Booth were
greeted with Kisses as they assembled the
platform, and it was at least ten minutes
before order could be restored. On the
platform were nearly hundred officers,
but in the hall very few Salvation Army
uniforms could be seen.
The supporters of Miss Booth determined
that she should not be Kissed down. Every
officer on the platform jumped up, cheer ed
and waved handkerchiefs wildly, while the
drummers vigorously beat the sheepskin
and the bands of men and lassies shook
and ratified their tambournes. Mas Booths
pale, pathetic face, and almost fearful
appeal for respectful hearing, however,
shut off all opposition and her audience
heard her quietly to the end. Her appeal
was an earnest exhortation to all to stand
by her. During its delivery q number left
the hall. There was the usual singing of
Salvation Army songs after the address
but everything passed off quietly.