The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1896-02-24
THE SALVATION ARMY
Ballington Booth Retires
From the 'Generalship.
REASONS GIVEN FOR THE ACT
Partisans of the General Give Their
Version of the Causes of the
Removal

New YORK, Feb. 22.-The retirement
of Ballington Booth and his wife, Maud
B. Booth, from the command of the Sal
walton Army in the United States is an
nounced in the following address by
Commander and Mrs. Booth:
''It is with inexpressible grief and
heartfelt pain that we have to announce
to our staff officers, field officers, troops
and friends throughout America the ap-
pended important decision arrived at
after thorough and careful deliberation.
We hope they will ever bear in remem-
brance that we feel there is no alterna-
tive left to our discretion:
s'First-We do not seek, nor shall we
seek, to take any advantage of the
strong feeling respecting our farewell
existing in all parts of the country, by
attempting to sever the United States
branch of the army from the parent or
ganization as separate or independent
movement.
Though, through the help of our un-
failing God, aided by the efficient and Ito
us) happy cooperation of our officers,
our toll has been rewarded in upbuilding
the movement in this great country; yet
we do not wish any action of ours to have
the appearance OF personal am bition, nor
do we wish our precious troops to stand
for moment in the relationship of op-
ponents to those of other nations, made
brothers and Sisters by one common
bond of Christianity.
"Second-Despite our intense and un-
dying love for America and our COM
rades here, we should have had no other
thought or purpose than that of proceed
ing to England for another command,
were we able to do SO. But, owing to
conscientious feelings and private rea-
sons we'll known to the general, we are
unable to enter upon new duties and
controversies in connection with for
eign command. Owing to our inability
to longer work freely as leaders in the
army under existing circumstances, we
have made known to London our decis-
ion not to accept another appointment.
This does not mean that we will no
longer be Salvationists, nor that we
shall be any other than the warmest
friends of our comrades throughout the
world.
"Third = We therefore propose, as
widely and as s-expeditiously as possible,
to rellnquish and hand over our COM
mand, fully and absolutely, to the in
coming commissioners when they arrive.
London headquarters, however, sent
over three separate representatives un-
announced, who pressed us to an i'm
mediate decision, offering us proposals
we could not accept. Yesterday at mid
night, with most positive and uncalled-
for precipitation, with the authority of
international headquarters. Commander
Herbert Booth demanded that we hand
over our keys and offices by 10 O'Clock
this morning. We had therefore no al
tentative but to accept our peremptory
dismissal.
"Fourth--None can fully comprehend
what this step costs us. The blade of
disappointment has gone deep. The
struggle and suffering have been long.
We. have sought not to be hasty in this
matter, but the international head
quarters have pressed US hourly to de-
finite decision. In relinquishing our
command we are giving up all, nor have
we any plans or prospects for this emer-
gency.
'Fifth-Finally, we know full well
that by some persons untrue and unjust
motives will be attached to our action,