Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-25
SALVATION ARMY TROUBLE Ballington Booth and His Wife
 Dismissed. THEY ACCEPT IT QUIETLY Ordered to Go Before a Court of Inquiry in
 London,
BUT THEY PREFER TO REMAIN HERE
After Consulting Lawyers and Leading Cit isens of the U nited States They Will Decide Whether to Turn Over
 All the Army Property.

New York, Feb A.-Ballington Booth and his wife have retired from the com mand of the Salvation Army of America. Eva Booth has been placed in command temporarily. Such instructions were cabled her today from the London head quarters MT. and Mrs. Booth accepted thelr dismissal very quietly. They were asked if they would go to England or re- man in America.
 We will remain here" said the ex- commander. We are American citizens. Our children are Americans and we do not intend to go to England
 Unquestionably a decided anti-English feeling has strongly manifested itself in the ranks of the Salvation Army in this city. Taken all in all the end looks ominous for an American army. The question was put to Ballington Booth this evening if his decision of today to accept the situation and retire from the army was final. The ex-commander paused a moment and then said:
 Well, that is my decision today. I do not known what will be my decision tomorrow"
 Itis claimed by many salvationists that if the commanding officers of the army in America should decide to rebel against English domination or summon to lead an American Salvation Army Ballington
  respond.
 Colonel Nicols said: "Commissioner Eva Booth met the officers in council this afternoon and made a statement up- on the principal difficulties. She after wards met the leading field and staff officers and received assurances of loy- atty
 "All likelihood of a split is over. There will no doubt be a great fight between both sides for some time to come, but HteeE ENxya oK,1 han. 6nr ltn fident of an ultimate and glorious vic tory
 Today was a lively day at the head quarters in Fourteenth street. From 10 in the morning until late in the afternoon a heated conference was held in the au- ditorum. The most prominent staff of f1cefs in America were present. After the members from abroad had stated their side of the case, MT. and Mrs. Booth were sent for to give their state ments. Mir Booth spoke for an hour and his wife occupied the same length of time. The newspaper men were excluded and what transpired could not be learned. At 6 o'clock this evening Ex-Com- nlander Booth called the reporters into his wifes former office and made the fol- lowing statement:
 "The session today was composed of the most prominent staff officers in the American field, therefore most efficient, most responsible and most representa-
  scented. It was a gathering not of my calling together, but one convened by the staff, to which Mrs. Booth and myself were invited that we might give our ver-i sion of the case after the same staff had heard the field commissioner, Eva Booth, and Colonel Nicol's side of the case. I emphatically denied the state ment that l was not dismissed, in proof of which I gave-the following: First, Colonel Nicos told Mrs Booth and my f0 fn1 hn pct a fto1,h h rff1fr met Eva Both on her arrival. They said I must go before court of inquiry in London. To go before a court of inquiry means court-martial. l have done noth- ing to be court-martialed for.
 "Then came the painful episode of Her bert Booth demanding my keys. I was then served with a brief from London which empowered my removal We were dismissed They.<were empowered to do so.
 "Snce today's session Mrs. Booth and myself have been waited upon and ques- toned as to our plans We propose to quietly retire. We accept our dismissal. We will probably turn over all the prop erty in our possession. We will first, however consult lawyers and some of the leading citizens of the United States" MT. and Mrs. Booth shook hands with the reporters. bade them farewell and drove away from the building in a cab. The following dispatch was posted at
 
 Toronto Feb. -24.-Colonel Nicols, West Fourteenth street: Eluci- date to officers and post on bulIe- tin board Send copy to editors.
 Comrades, the press has been mis- informed concerning my visit to New York. Have done my duty with prayers and tears as a brother to prevent a breach in the fall hitherto unbroken and preserved from an irreparable calamity. A brother can do no more than leave consequences with God and time. You have my truest sympathy in this hour of trial You may be relied upon, I know, 10 maif in the worldwide union of the Salvation< Nrmy, which is as dear to American salvationists almost as is the, union of their beloved land.
 "HERBERT BOOTH"
 Later on the following telegram was posted:
 "The general has cabled Field Con- missioner Eva Booth, appointing her to the temporary command of the Salvation Army force in the United States. and this notice Is to say that all other officers will, from this date till the arrival of the new commissioner, transact their business in accordance with the regulations with her, If any officers desire to see her she will be pleased to answer accordingly. God bless you. Yours affectionately for God and His cross, VIM. EADIE,
 'Chief Secretary"
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