The herald., 1896-02-23
THE COMMANDER RET|RES
General and Mrs. Booth Address
the Salvati0nists
A pEpEMpTODV DISMISSAL
4 PEREMPTORY DISMISSAL
Followed the Refusal 10 Obey the
Orders Received
Split Is the o Outgtowth Of Engiish
Jealousy
Associated Press Special w.rs.


NEW YORK, Feb. 22.-The retirement OF
Ballington Booth and his wife, Maude B.
Booth, from the command of the Salvation
Army in the United States is announced in
the following address by Commander and
Mrs. Booth:
ut is with the inexpressible grief and
heartfelt pain that we have to announce to
our staff officers, field officers, troops and
friends throughout America the following
important decision arrived at after thor
! ough and careful deliberation.
1--WE hope that they will ever bear in re-
membrance that there is no alternative
left to our discretion.
First, we do not seek, nor shall we seek,
respecting our farewell existing in all
parts of the country, by attempting to
sever the United States branch of the army
from the parent organization as separate
or independent movement.
"Though through the help of our unfail.
ing God, aided by the efficient and Ito us)
happy cooperation of our officers, our toll
has been rewarded in upbuilding the move-
ment in this great country. yet we do not
wish any action OF ours to have the appear
ance Of personal ambition, nor do we wish
our precious troops to stand for mo.
ment in the relationship of opponents to
those of other nations, made brothers and
sisters by one common bond of Christi
anity.
"Second-Despite our intense and indy
ing love for America and our comrades
here, we should have had no other thought
or purpose than that of proceeding to
England for another command, were we
able to do SO. But owing to the consci-
entious feelings and private reasons, we'll
known to the general, we are unable to
enter upon new duties and controversies
in connection with foreign command.
Owing to our inability to longer work
freely as leaders in the army under exist
ing circumstanc as, we have made known
to London our decision not to accept an
other appointment. This does not mean
that we will no longer be Salvationists, nor
that we shall be any other than the warm
est friends of our comrades throughout
the world.
"Third-We therefore proposed, las wisely
and as expeditiously as possible, to relin-
quish and hand over our command, fully
and absolutely, to the incoming commits
sioners when they arrive.
''London headquarters, however, sent
over three separate representatives unan-
nounced and pressed US to an immediate
decision, Offering us proposals we could
not accept. Yesterday at midnight, with
most positive and uncalled for precipita-
ton. with the authority of International
headquarters, Commander Herbert Booth
demanded that we hand over our keys and
offices by 10 o'clock this morning.
1--WE had, therefore. no alternative but
to accept our peremptory dismissal.
"Fourth-None can fully comprehend
what this step has cost us. The blade of
IA q daan ba OF
gle and suffering have been long. We
have sought not to be hasty in this matter,
but the international headquarters has
pressed us hourly to definite decision. In
relinquishing our command we are giving
up all, nor have we any plans or prospects
for this emergency.
Kinally we know full we'll that by
some persons untrue and unjust motives
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 past nine years will
at least give us credit for acting conscien-
tiously and disinterestedly, and for doing
right before the Lord of our hearts.
1--WE have repeatedly called upon all of
our troops to stand by the army, it's gen.
eral and its principles. We do SO again.
May Gods blessing rest upon our country,
the army and all"
Partisans Of Ballineton Booth say the
that he has succeeded in almost completely
Americanizing the Salvation army in this
country. His methods aroused the antago-
nism 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 army, did not
fancy the idea of the army in America
breaking away from the English prece-
dents. and was finally prevailed upon to
order the withdrawal of Ballington 5ootll.
According to clause in the constitution
of the army the commander is absolute
owner of all the real estate of the organi-
zation. The building on West Fourteenth
street, completed within the last year, rep
resents nearly 100000, which is decided
to the commander in his own name. He
was busy all day comforting with his law
yers for the purpose of having all the prop
erty transferred to his successors.
The following statement by Colonel
Ncol, the special commissioner sent over
from the International headquarters of the
Salvation army, was given out at the army
headquarters today:
First-The resignation of Commander
and Mrs. Ballington Booth, which has been
rendered by them to the International
headquarters, has not yet been accepted
by the general in whom alone is vested the
power to accept designations OF territorial
leaders.
Second-We do not accept any RESPONSE
bility for the commanders deplorabie act.
Third-Commander Herbert Booth was
instructed by the international headuuart-
ers to come to New York and confer with
his brother on the matters in question and
having done SO has returned to Toronto.
Fourth The International headquarters
have instructed Colonel Eadie to assume
the temporary direction of affairs. We are
waiting further advices. We arc going on
with our work. God lives and the flag
waves.
In answer to question concerning the
statement that reward had been offered
for information concerning the wherea-
bouts of Commander Ballington Booth,
Colonel Eadie said:
"Sir, there are very many wild rumors
afloat in the world" adding, "that is a
lie."
The acting commander also stated that
it was not true that Colonel Nicioi, Her
bert Booth and Eva Booth had not come to
New York for the especial purpose of COURT
martialing Commander darlington Booth.
Colonel l,ade said that the transfer had
not been made AS yet, but that Commander
booth, in whose name all the American
is, has promised to complete the transfer
in due time, If such should finally be ne
cessary. Colonel Eadie seemed very much