The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-07
THE AMERICAN IDEA.
Editor of The Tribune.

Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir:-I have read in your columns during
the past week, under the head or west
Side News, several items which, Judging
from their tenor. eminated from some per
son or persons strongly In sympathy with
the Salvation Army. | would not notice
the items referred, to. but for the fact
that they reflect upon those who faVor
the new organization known as the Amcrl-
can Volunteers. Among other things, II
was stated that several of those faVOrin2
| the latter organiZa zion had been present
| and created a disturbance at the meetings,
| in the barracks, on Price street, and ex-
| cept such actions were discontinued they
would be refused admittance.
| There are no grounds for such state
mcnt. There has been no misconduct on
| the part of any one who favors the Vol
| unteers. On the contrary. the only mis-
! conduct there was, has been on the part
| of the adherents of General Booth and his
| nom American methods. Some twenty
members of the Salvation Army rendered
| their designations and before said resig-
| nations had been acted upon, the doors
| were slammed in their faces and all man
ner of abuse was heaped upon them by
| the worshippers of the "Senral This
seems to be the recognized manner of deal
| ing with all who fail to fall in with their
ideas and objects.
| The treatment accorded the late captain
Masland and lieutenant tGreem by the
! loyal co members of the Scranton corps,
| after their determination to join the new
movement became known, was harsh, in
| tolerant, fanatical and unworthy of civil
lied beings, much less those protesting
the name of Christ. Charity forbids going
| into detail and | will draw the veil over
these un-Christian-like actions.
| But the old adage holds good, Like dad
dy, like child" The Scranton corps is
only following the example of those high
er in authority, in their bigotry and fan
atheism and the carrying out Of their
petty prosecutions. Duplicity and dou-
| BILE dealing seem to be the only stock in
trade left to the followers Of General
Booth in this country. An instance of
the new methods in vogue in the Saliva
ton Army might be cited in relation 10
the late flag presentation to the corps
| in this city. The terms of the competi-
| ton set forth that Brgadier Evans and
saff would present the flags to the sue
| cessful corps free of all expense. Did he
| do as agreed? Oh no, mis- purposes had
been served, so he sends Mrs. Evans In
conjunction with u mountebank from
| Wilkes-B Barre to present the flags anl
taxes the expenses, some $ll, upon the To-
cal officers Why? Because the news had
| reached headquarters that the captain and
| lieutenant had resolved to cast in Their
! let with the American movement. and
they must be Inundated before the public
| at any cost.
|: is not Hr the purpose of stirring VI
strife write, but it is high time that the
| public be made aware of these matters
| The Salvation Army appeals to an Ameri
can people for support; then let them no,
| show such an exhibition of antagonism tC
those who love this country before al
others If they expect to receive It, NJ
| un-American institution can live long her,
| when its true character Is known. Ever
in spiritual affairs we have no use for {
dictator. Humanity revOlts at the ide.
of one man ruling the whole religion.
world. With the army. judging from The