Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-02-23


ghsh Head Of the Army Not
Pleased with the Americanization
Which Has Gone On.
New York, February 22-The retire
ment of Ballington Booth and his wife,
Maud B. Booth, from the head of the
Salvation Army in the United States,
is announced in the following address
by Commander and Mrs. Booth:
1t is with inexpressible grief and
heartfelt pain that we have to an
nounce to our staff officers, field Off
GERS. troops and friends throughout
America the following important de-
cision arrived at, after proTacted
thought and careful deiberaLon. We
beg that we will now and ever bear in
remembrance that we teel there is no
alternative left to our discretion.
First. we do not seek, nor shall we
seek TO take any advantage OF the
strong feeling regarding our farewell
existing on all parts of the country, by
attempting to sever the United States
branch OF the army from the parent or
ganuization as a separate or "inde-
p-ndent" movement.
Though through the help of our un-
falling God, aided by the efficient land
to us) happy cooperation OF our Off
GERS. our toll has been rewarded in
upbuilding the movement in this great
country. yet we do not wish any action
of ours to have the appearance OF per-
sonal ambition. nor do we wish our
precious troops TO stand for moment
in the relationship of opponents to
those of other nations made broJners
and sisters by one common BOND OF
Christianity.
Second. despite our intense and un-
diving love for America and our COM
rades here. we should have had no other
thought or purpose than that OF pro-
ceeding TO England for another COM
mand. we're we able to do so. But, ow-
ing to conscientious feelings, and prl-
vate reasons well known to the Gen.
eral. we are unable to enter upon new
duties and controversies in connection
with a foreign command.
Owing to our inability to longer
work free as leaders in the army under
existing circumstances. we have made
known TO London our decision not to
accept another appointment. This
does not mean that we will no longer
be Salvationists. nor that we shall be
any other than the warmest friends
Of our comrades throughout the world.
Third we therefore proposed as
wisely and as eXpediiOusly as possible
to relinuuish and hand over our COM
mand. fully and absolutely, to the in
coming commissioners when they ar
rived
London headquarters, however, sent
over three separate representatives un-
announced 1--WE grant at sacrifice and
cost. who pressed us to an immediate
decision. Offering us proDosais We could
not accent. Yesterday at midnight,
with most positive and uncalled for
precipitation. with the authority of i'm
ternational headquarters. Commander
Herbert Booth demanded that we hand
over our KEYS and Offices by 10 o'clock
this morning. We had therefore, no
alternative but to accept our peremp-
tory dismissal
Fourth. none can fully comprehend
what this step has cost us. The blade
of disapDointm 1t has gone deep, the
struggle and suffe ring have been long.
We have sought not to be hasty IN
this matter. but the international head
quarters have pressed us hourly to
definite decision. In relinquishing our
command. we are giving mp all. nor
have we any plans or prospects for TINS
emergency.
Fifth. finally we know full well that
bv some persons untrue and unjust mo-
tives will be attached TO our action,
but we feel consoled in the fact that
those who have witnessed our lives,
together with our toll and effort during
the mast nine years will. at least. give
us credit for acting cOnscienttously
and disinterestedly and for doing right
before the Lord Of our hearts.
We have repeatedly called upon all
Of our troops to stand by the army, its
general. and its principles. We do so
aeain. May Gods blessing rest upon
our country. the armv, and all
(Sigl BALLINGTON BOOTH,
MAUD 3. BOOTH.
Partisans of Ballington Booth say
that the secret of his removal lies
wholly I'm the fact that he has succeed
ed in almost completely Americanizing
the Salvation Army in this country.
His methods aroused the antagOnism
of a little English coterie. headed by
Col. Eadie. the chief secretary, who
came over from England one year ago.
Gen. Booth. father of Ballington and
commander In chief of the Salvation
Army. did not fancy the idea of the
army I'm America breaking away from
the English precedents. and was finally
prevailed upon 10 order the withdrawal
Of BallingtOn Booth.
According TO a clause in the constl-
tuition Of the army. the commander is
absolute owner Of al the real estate Of
the organization The building in West
Fourteenth street completed within
the last wear. represents nearly $500
O00. which is decided to the commander
i'm his own name. He was busy all dav
Yesterday conferring with his lawyers
for the purpose Of having all the prop
erty transferred to his successors.
The following statement by Col
Nicol. the special commissioner sent
over from the international headQuar-
terS of the Salvation Army. was given
ont at the army headquarters today:
1. The resignation Of the command
or and Mrs. Ballin gton Booth. which
has been rendered by them TO the in
+e~DatiOnal beadouerters has nO+ vet