The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-21
GEN. BOOTHS APPEAL
sFATHER, OF THE SALVATION
ARMY TO HIS son BALLINGTON.
The English Leader Begs the "volun-
teer" Commander to "Hesftate,
Think and Return" to the Fold.

NEW YORK, April 20.-Another batch OF
literature relating to the troubles of the Sal
walton Army was made public tonight.
Most Of 1t has been printed heretofore In
condensed form. II consists of Commander
and Mrs. Ballington Booths letter Of resig-
nation, dated Jan. 81; the reply of Bramwell
Booth, chief of staff, dated Feb. Is, and
letter from General Booth TO his son Baliing-
ton. The letter closes with the following ap-
peal:
THE world will naturally and assuredly
ask: Where are this mans VOWS and
pledges to his comrades. IL he forget them
between man and rnan?' l know that this is
boastful age OF what men call freedom. We
have got long way back toward the days
OF old when every man did that which was
right In his own eyes, but still there is.
after all. universal instinct that something
Is due from son to his father-parentai
even though mankind has largely left out
God Men who are not the fattering syco-
plants OF the hour will be disposed to think
that you owe something TO your father, ques,,
the space you have occupied in his vision II
you had not been my son, and had the Sal
iy ask whether. having followed my leader
ship for so long, and called upon so many
others 10 do the same, and having up till so
to the end. why you should not have yielded
to my wishes in this case, or at least seen
me before severing the ties of lifetime.
your mothers memory and breaking my
heart. All this must deeply.affect your own
future. 1t cannot be otherwise. have had
much opportunity OF judging, and am sure
that no good man can be happy In course
which does not commend itself TO his own
conscience and to the conscience OF other
good men who know the facts. When your
friends point to my action in 1862 as In any
way resembling yours or to-day, they only
display their folly by speaking OF what they
done nothing for me. To II had made no
pledges of life service. only retired after
four IN as oddsT when sna Ws o
made no complaints, wrote TO no news
papers issued no circulars, i maligned no
individuals. kept back no property, l car car
satisfied people. loved and beloved every
body, / went forth to the gutter. with your
mSher and without any any rcn mans na nssp
myself in many dire necessity to get You
an education and provide a home.
where began-you are my son: can never
give you up while I am on this side OF the
Valley, and once more ask you to come
and see me. That cannot be unreasonable or
common sense and common honor, and TO
the first commands Of Jesus Christ Bring
lying tongues of those who would oppose SO
natural a course. They only want TO use
you TO pull down your own work and to
wound your fathers heart or at the best 10
gain their selfish ends
'Oh! Ballington, Ballingtonl You cannot
be In your right reason. The whole thing Is
like horrid dream. Again and again I ask
myself, Is this reality or an imagination? !?
For your own sake hestate think! return,
The worst can yet be averted. The past may
be forgiven. Believe me to be still your af-
fectionate father, praying for you all the
time. WILLIAM BOOTH.
"P. ST. have just received your crue.
cable refusing TO come and see me, and
coldiy announcing that all negotiations are
at an end. Bramwell says II cost you a dol
lar Is this all the return you can make TO
Wells long letters, and all our entreaties
No! 1t cannot be- Negotiations cannot end
here"