The record-union., 1896-03-02
EX-ooMMANDER BOOTH
He Will Inaugurate an Independent
Salvation Army In America.

Salvation Army In America.
MONT CLAIR On. j., March Il
Commander and Mrs. Ballington Beoth
tonight issued the following state
ment 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.
We did not wish it said that we had
taken the Salvation Army; that we had,
through ambition, swept the organiza-
tion in this country out of the Generals
hands, or that we had taken property
which we had acquired while owing al
legiance 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 administration
was concerned. We had no alternative
but to accept our dismissal, which
| closed our relationships and negotfa-
tions with London. Since then weshave
allowed those in authority full scope,
neither appearing in public nor coun-
selling any beneath their command to
leave.
eve cannot, however, cover our eyes
to the fact that we have another ale
glance We are not our own, and can
not 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. See
ing that the people of the United States
of America in an urgent and unmistak-
able manner have voiced their desire
that we should inaugurate a movement
affording US an opportunity to continue
our labors for the uplifting of the un-
cherished and unchristened people of
our country, and as there appeared to
us no alternative but this course and
retiring from public service, we have
decided upon the latter action.
1T is farthest from our desire that
such new and independent movement
should be hostile to the one we have
labored so long and so hard to uphold.
The United States, with its vast and
ever-increasing population, should Of
fer ample room for such effort without
an unehristian warning, It you'd be
premature here to decide upon the de-
tails 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 begin
ming, and gain step by step. We shall
assuredly, under any circumstances,
stand for the principles we have hither-
to upheld having for our aims the saw
ing of souls, the unity of all in work
and self sacrifice of life and simplicity
and distinctiveness of dress that speaks
of out and out Christ following.
''We cannot at this perplexed juncture,
over-tired in body and over-stra aimed in
nerve, give the date when we shall be
ready to commence public work. In
deed, it will be seen to be wise to do
nothing in haste, lest it should be ILL
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 cir
cumstances, and with cool, calm judg-
ment, as to what we believe and 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 service of Strengthening right
eous principles and extending Gods
kingdom in America. Signed.
"BALLINGTON BOOTH,
MAUD B. BOOTH"