The San Francisco call., 1896-03-04

OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO CALL
90S Broadway, March 3. !
Every auxiliary mem Der of the Salvation
Army on the Pacific Coast received their
first letter from the new commander. Eva
C. Booth, to-day. II is as follows:
AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT, s. A,
NEW YORK CITY.
Dear Friend: You viii have heard with deep
sorrow, am sure, of the resignation OF Com
mander and Mrs. Ballington Booth. who for
nine years have arduously and devotedly
striven TO advance the work of the Salvation
Army and uplift the sunken, Christless, church
less people OF your country.
This resignation constitutes nothing short OF
& worldwide sorrow 10 our movement, and, IN
its personal aspect, delivers blow et the aged
and honored head OF our beloyered general as
well as at his family, the extent OF which il is
impossible to describe.
There is not one OF the generals seven chill
dren lighting under our flag who would not
gladly lay down his or her life to avert such
catastrophe, not only Tor their own sakes, but
for what is dearer 10 them than the ties OF flesh
and blood-the welfare OF this movement,
which is admitted by Christians in all parts
OF the world 10 be the most practical ana sue
cessful in reaching reforming and saving the
lower orders OF society. But when, as Ii the
case of your friends, Commander and Mrs. Bal
lngton Booth, the very foundation principles
OF our order are al stake, then-painful, aye,
terrible as the consequences may be-we have
but one course 10 pursue, one thing only 10
which to adhere. We must sacrifice personal
r. Considerations and stand by our principles.
And this, desire to assure you, is the main
issue between international headquarters and
Commander and Mrs. Ballington Booth.
They ascribe their resignation, which was
dated as far back as January 81, 10 loss OF con-
fdence in the general and IN our international
system OF administration. Into the history OF
the proceedings which this resignation caused
1 do not propose TO &C; you viii not expect me,
! am certain, as have no power TO decide upon
the merits OF the case. come to your country
as sister 10 plead with brother that he
should see his father or confer with interra-
tional headquarters upon his differences.
was ably seconded by my brother, Com
maudant Herbert Booth, and also By trusted
representative of the general Our united ef-
forts failed however, and now the entire con-
(roversy, with its original cause, has been
transferred TO London for decision.
Just when l was thinking of returning TO
England with broken heart I received orders
10 take command of the forces in tie United
states until the Commissioners appointed by
the general arrive. ! had not the slightest
ides when ! LETT London g fortnight ago that
- this stupendoUs responsibility would be the
outcome CT ny u1eE:1tOrial visit, and as write
az deeply conscious Of my own iusullicieucy
and weakness for the task. But an a soldier,
and already the prompt response of my new
officers and troops have cheered me beyond
measure. The brigadiers 10 a man have
pledged unspervine devstioG to the army.
livery hour brings assurances OF confidence
from field officers. and among some OF the let
ters which viii be lasting treasures TO me are
those from the great army OF auxiiaries, which
has been 50 successfully enrolled in this coun-
Try.
AL this comforts me, and I am sure that
may rely upon you, during my short stay, to
continue TO help Us TO carry joy to the sorrow
ful, rest 10 the weary and help 10 the poor,
and I think also that may count upon your
sympathy and prayers.
tions 10 the agitation which has ragged round
VIII make my command far more easy one.
Still, with the conviction OF the wisdom and
rightness OF our position, ! shall do my best to
show the spirit OF q true Christian and val
ient soldier.
God is with Us. The flag OF the Salvation
Army is with Us. Ny comrades are with US
and from all that can gather, I believe that
you VIII stand by US. May I?
Yours, in sorrow and faith for the salvation
OF souls and the welfare OF America,
EVA c. BOOTH, Commissioner
The general feeling in army circles in
this City is in favor of the new com
mander, and no hindrauce is anticipated
from the change.