The San Francisco call., 1896-03-02
The Services of Himself and
Wife Still Needed by
the Masses.
PLANS NOT YET PERFECTED.
Intends to Work in Full Harmony
With the Legions He Once
Controlled

MONTCLAIR, n. J., March Com
mander and Mrs. BalIington Booth to-
night issued the following statement to
the press:
Being continually pressed upon all sides
to state definitely the action we shall take
in the future, we now desire to make
known our present position.
I'VE did not wish it said that we had
taken the Salvation Army; that we had,
through ambition, swept the organization
IN this country out of the generals hands,
or that we had taken property which we
had acquired while owing allegiance TO
him. Furthermore, we did not want to
influence those under his authority through
their loyalty and steadfastness to US, nor
have it said that we had proved faithless
to trust reposed in US, so far as admins
-tration was concerned. We had no alterna-
tive but to accept our dismissal, which
closed our relationships and negotiations
with London. Since then we have allowed
those in authority full scope, neither ap-
pearing in public nor counseling any be-
meath their command to leave.
1--WE cannot, however. close our eyes to
the fact that we have another allegiance |;
we are not our own and cannot dispose Of
our lives and influence 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
that so loudly called to .us to continue in
action. Seeing that the people of the
United States, in an urgent and unmistak-
able manner, have voiced their desire that
!. 4
ing us an opportunity TO continue our
labors for the uplifting of the uncherished
and unchristened people of our country
and as there appeared to US no alternative
between this course and retiring from pub
lie service, we have decided upon the
former action. 1t is farthest from our de-
sire that such a new and independent
movement should be hostile to the one we
have labored so long and so hard to up
build. The United States, with its vast
and ever-increasing population, should
offer ample room for such effort without
any unchristian warning.
SIT would be premature here to decide
upon the details of our future labor. We
seek above all else Gods leading. An
organization cannot be formulated on the
opinions and enthusiasms of the moment.
We shall probably have but-a small be-
ginning and gain step by step.
1--WE shall assuredly under any circum-
stances stand for the principles we have
hitherto upheld, having for our aims the
saving of souls the unity of effort IN
work, scriptural plainness and self-sac-
riice OF life, and simplicity and distinct
Il hat 0f
Christ following.
1--WE cannot at this perpIexed juncture,
overtired in body and overstrained In
nerve, give the date when we shall be
ready to commence public work Indeed,
it viii be seen to be wise to do nothing in
haste lest it should be i'll done, but to do
all with forethought that it may be well
and permanently done. We are most
anxious not to act On impulse or under
strong pressure, but as God shall guide US
through circumstances, and with cool,
feel to be right.
.'In closing, we desire to assure all who
are interested in this matter that we have
earnestly consecrated our lives to the SER
vice of strengthening righteous principles
and extending Gods kingdom in Amer
lea. BALLINGToN BoorH,
"MAUD B. BOOTH"
a circular letter also has been sent to
friends all over America by Mr.. and Mrs
Ballington Booth giving their side of the
case. They refute the statement that they
had refused to obey orders from London.
Reference is made to q letter sent to the
notiono1 hoo adouortarc cp Tapror,, Of
in which Commander and Mrs. Booth
stated that they were going quietly through
their farewell, but that for certain reasons
they could not feel free 10 enter upon
another command. This letter, they
claim. has been called resignation, but it
was in. truth merely statement of the sit
uation. Continuing, Mr.. and Mrs. Booth
say:
1--WE therefore emphatically repeat that
we are in our present condition not
through disobedience of orders Especially
as no orders other than those giving up
our command had been received) but
from the fact that they peremptorily took
the situation into their own hands and
forced us out"
The letter concludes: "Some who owe
much to us have forgotten their affection
and at this trying moment have been per-
suaded to misunderstood Us. but time will
show them wherein they are wrong and
wherein we are wronged. We have told
officers and soldiers TO stand by the army,
but we do not think that need OF necess sity
mean that they are TO approve OF its ac-
tion toward their old leaders or to turn
In their hearts from those VINO nave ialth-
fully lived and suffered and worked for
them"