The evening times., 1896-02-22

new York, Feb. 22-Commander Bal-
hngton Booth ana his wife, Maud Ba!tiug.
ton Booth, are no longer at the head of the
American division OF the Salvation Army.
ana have declined TO accept foreign an
pointment. They gave up their command
at midnight on Thursday. TIE cause Of
The Immediate severance of their relations
win the Salvation Army of the United
states was pereniptOry demand by Com
niiiider Herbert Booth, representing the
international headquarters in London, for
the immediate transfer to the commits
sioner OF the International headquarters
OF the command in this country. which
carries with 1t the title to all property of
the Army in the United States.
There are various versions OF the DIFF
ficuity between commander and Mrs Booth
and the International Headquarters. The
following statement has teen given to the
press by commander and Mrs. Booth:
THEIR FAREWELL ADDRESS.
at is with inexpressihie grief and heart
felt pain that we have 10 announce to our
STAFF Officers, field Officers, troops and
friends throughout America the following
important decision arrived at after pro-
tracted thought and careful Gciibe rat ion.
We beg that they will now and ever bear i'm
remembrance that VIC feel there is no
alternative left 10 our discretion.
Il. We do not seek, nor shall We seek
to take any advantage of the strong feel
ing 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 a sep
arate or independent movement.
Though, through the help OF our un-
failing God, aided by the efficient and to US
us, happy cooperation OF our officers,
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 personal ambition, nor do
we wish our precious troops to stand for 4
moment in the relationship OF opponents
to those of other nations, made brothers
and sisters by one common bond OF Chris
tianity.
''2. Despite our intense and und wing love
for America and our comrades here, VIC
should have had no other thought ur pur
pose than that of proceeding to England
for another command, We're we able to do
so. But, owing TO conscientious feelings
and private reasons well known to the gen
eral, We are unable to enter upon new du-
ties and controversies in connection with
a foreign command.
ACCEPT NO OTHER APPOINTMENT.
lowing to our inability to longer work
freely 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
viii no longer be Salvationists, nor that We
shall be any other than the warrncst friends
of our comrades throughout the word.
"3. we therefore proposed as wisely and
as expeditiously as possible TO relinquish
and hand over our command, fully and ab-
solutely, to the incoming commissioners
when they arrived. London headquarters,
however, sent over three separate repre-
sentatives unannounced I'VE grant at sac
rifice and cost, who pressed us to m i'm
mediate decision. offering us proposals we
could not accept. Yesterday at midnight,
with most uncalled-for precipitation, with
authority of International 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
~. None can fully comprehend what
this step has cost us. The blade of disap
pointment has gone deep. The struggle
and suffering have been long We have
sought not to be hasty in this matter. but
the International headquarters have press
ell us hourly to definite decision.
THEY GAVE UP ALL.
'In relinquishing our command we are
giving up all, nor have we any plans or
prospects for this emergency.
''5. Finally, we know fun well 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 duriDg the past nine years,
will at least give us credit for acting con-
and disintcrestcdiy. aud for
doing right before the Lord OF our hearts.
I'VE have repeatedly called upon all our
troops to stand by the army, its general
and its principles. We do so again. May
G od's blessing rest upon our country,
the army and all.
.'BALLINGTON BOOTH. =,
MAUD B. BOOTH