Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-17
SOLDIERS AT.IdHE GROVE
The salvationists Opened Their Campaign
Yesterday.
Commander BO0th~Tocker Prevented
From Attending by the ILL
ness of a Child.

More than 5000 persons. it was estimated,
attended the Salvation Army camp meeting
at Washington Grove yesterday Every
part of Montgomery county was represent
ed, and every local train from Washingtoa.
as well as from points as far west as
Harper's Ferry, contributed its full quota
to the throng. 1t had been extensively ad-
vertised that Commander Booth-Tucker and
his wife would be present, and when it was
learned that the former was not on hand
much disappointment was manifested by
the audience While there was no public
announcement of the reason why the COM
mander failed to arrive, those who inquired
as to the cause were informed quietly that
one of the children of Commander and Mrs,
Booth-Tucker was lying at the point of
death at Ocean Grove, N. j., and the fathe,
remained there to care for it,
To some present such a statement seem
ed TO be an intimation that unless there
was q want of devotion to the babe on
the part of the mother the latter would
have remained at the bedside of the sup
posed dying one and let the father go 10
keep the appointment If 1t must be kept
by at least one of them and there was
q disposition to critIcise Mrs. BoCth-Tuck-
er for her course.
Friends of the latter said. however, that
it was rot want of motherly love that
prompted her to be at Washington Grove
yesterday, but that it was because she
had promised to attend the camp, and re-
garded 1t as obligatory upon her to do so.
On a previous occasion 1t was said she
had accepted an invitation to come to
Washington. but the day previous to the
time she was to be at the national capital
she was run into by bicycle rider while
out riding on her wheel, and thrown eff,
with the result that her wrist was sprain-
ed SO badly that she could not then leave
her home. If she failed to come to the
camp meeting it was feared it was stated.
that people would say that every time Mrs.
BOOth-Tucker was announced to take part
in meeting in Washington or this vicn-
ity something occurred to prevent.
After hard days work, during which
she made several strong addresses, Mrs.
Boo th-Tucker last night left for Ocean
Grove to relieve her husband of his care
of the baby, and the commander will, it is
expected. reach Washington Grove in time
to take part this evening in the services
which Will dedicate the Salvation Army
brigade for the tour upon which it is about
TO enter.
Interesting Exercises.
Yesterdays exercises began at Z am.
with a ':knee drill.' conducted by STAFF
Captain Cox. The services at II o'clock
were conducted jointly by Brigadier Evans
Of New York, who has charge of the At
lantic coast division, and Consul Booth
Tucker. Others on the platform, each
CT whom took some part in the exercises.
were Brlgadier Alice Lewis, Captain Milan,
an Italian; Captains b. Hill and S. Halpin
Ensign S. n. Thompson, Lieutenants Cod
Der, Allott and Mcdonald and others.
The principal address was by Mrs. Booth
Tucker. and she created very favorable
impression on all who heard her. She read
and explained a selection from the Scrip
lures, and held the closest attention of her
audience.
The afternoon services were opened con-
Siderably sooner than the time appointed
because long before the hour for the serv-
ices to commence the large tabernacle was
packed with an interested and enthusiastic
audience. Added to this was the fact that
shortly before 3 o'clock rain began to fall
heavily, and those who We're unable to get
inside the building were forced to seek the
shelter of the surrounding cottages, which
were generously thrown open by their &C.
cupants to all who desired to enter.
Staff Capt. Cox suggested that an over.
flow meeting be held in tie Young People s
Hall, but this was opposed by Brig. Evans
who said that he feared there Were no,
enough officers and soldiers present to con-
duct services at both places, and the sug-
ices Mrs. Booth-Tucker again took a lead
ing part. and her address was very inter
csting throughout. Briggs. Lewis Evans
Staff Capt Cox, Capts. Hill and Worth!ng-
ton and Milan and many others also took
part. The exercises lasted until after :
o'clock, when a recess was taken for din
Fer.
AT night an old-fashioned Salvation Army
rally was held, in which all the officers
present participated, with Staff Capt Cox
leading.