The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-25

Capt. GiTert Receives Telegram
Informing Her of Crisis.

1t is understood at Salvation Army head
quarters on South Illinois street that the
recent disturbances in the army are but
the consequence of the plan fer the Amer
lean division TO sfcede from the British
control. The local members and officers
of the army are Informed that the Amer
lean branch of the army is being reorsan-
lied, with American ideas and principles,
and that henceforth the American army
will be separate and independent of the
established army with headquarters in
London.
II have been expecting developments for
some time" said Captain Giffert to the
Journal last evening, but / was not an
ticipating that matters would come so
suddenly to elimination"
Captain Giffert is an intelligent woman
under whose direction the army has made
rapid progress in this city. She is under
the direct command of Brigadier Fielding,
of the Northwestern division, with head
quarters at Chicago She has been in
communication With the Chicago head
quarters. General Fielding is an avowed
friend of Ballington Booth. who has been
deposed by his father, General Booth. as
commander in America. Captain Giffert
received a telegram last evening which
informed her that the crisis is at hand.
She says she is loyal to her commanding
officer and believes. with the majority of
American Salvationists, that 1t is time for
the Americanizing of the army in this
country.
An Associated Press telegram from New
York received last evening states that a
cablegram received at Salvation Army
headquarters in New York stated that
Field Commander Eva Booth has been
placed in charge of affairs in America
and all officers of the army must report to
her Captain Giffert had heard nothing of
this report last evening.
II am cut off, as it were, from the source
of information" said the Captain in ex-
planning why she knew so little of the
recent developments. my work has beer;
right here in Indianapolis. / hear occa-
sionally from headquarters and try to
keep posted the affairs of the army
the brigadiers are all with ex-Commander
Booth, as I understand it. They want to
see distinctly American organization
England Is altogether different in social
conditions from this country. They have
slower ways Of doing things there than we
have here. In America everything is on
the rush. and ii is my opinion that an
army organized on American ideas can ac-
complish more good than an English one
We are all friends working in the same
cause.-the only difference concerns the
best way to accomplish results. AS have
maintained ell the time the hand Of the
Lord is seen in the reorganization"
Captain Giffert expects that in the or
ganization of an American Salvation Army
Bailington Booth ana wife will be at the
head There is some speculation as to the
action of General Booth in the matter, for
after secession he may continue TO claim
control Of the division in this country.
There are now nearly fifty members of
the army in this city. Less than q year
ago four or five members were detailed
here by Brigadier tielding. From this
handful of men and women the present
corps has sprung. During this time there
have been nearly two hundred converts
"Of these converts" said Captain Giffert,
some have fallen. They are not all with
US: but il half of the number have been
saved or made better by our being here
the army has done good work"
Would a change in the organization re-
sult in any different plans of wo-k?''
II think not The general idea on which
the army is operated has tendency to
bring good returns. We had a hard time
after we first camc here, for We were not
understood. Now that we are better known
feel that our work is better appreciated
Yes: the first few week were discouraging
ones but 1 think ! see a change for the
better now"
While Captain Giffert was talking which
was after the regular evening service.
members of the army were busy practicing
on the musical instruments. There was a
large horn. apparently new one. which
was being worked for all il was worth. In
the hall were probably a dozen men and
women. some of whom had remained after
the service TO talk with the officers of the
corps. The hall where the army meets is
poorly furnished and lighted, and looks
as If ii might be furnished TO advantage.