The herald., 1896-02-27
There Will Be an American
Salvation Army
SENTIMENT GROWS STRONG
Encouraged by Disparsgiug Words Of
General Booth
TO the International Organization-A
Mutinous Resignation

Associated Press Special Wire.
CHICAGO, Feb. 26.-"If Ballington Booth
says the word there will be an American
Salvation army" says prominent divis-
ion officer of that organization. "Thus far
he has refused to do anything looking to
secession or an independent movement,
and we who are loyal to the army hope and
pray he will maintain that position.
"The feeling in Chicago is divided-there
may be said to be three divisions; one,
which doubtless is the largest, believing in
blind obedience to the will of General
Booth, regardless of the circumstances un-
der which the Ballington Booths have felt
themselves bound to leave the army; the
second, who sympatize with the deposed
commander and his charming wife and are
ready to follow their leadership to the ends
of the earth; and the third and rapidly
growing element, which is disposed to
await developments before deciding as to
their future course.
"As it is today not a man in Chicago
knows the real reason of the resignation of
the commander. What is underlying all
this confusion none of us know. We be-
lieve that the Ballington Booths must have
felt they had a grievances serious griev-
ance--to have acted as they did. How far
the things which led them to SO act may
affect the rights and imperil the liberties of
individual members of the army we don't
know. The great religions of the world
evolution, and it may be that the
Salvation army. founded thirty years ago,
may find it necessary to change some of it's
forms and methods, and that international
dissensions now may mean broader and
more democratic movement than the
army. under it's military rules, ever may
become.
"That there is a growing sen tilnent in
favor of an American army doubtless is
true. and the unfortunate remarks of Cen
eral Booth on the occasion of his recent
visit to Chicago may have encouraged it.
"'The stars and stripes he exclaimed on
one occasion; 81 hear nothing but the stars
and stripes until l am sick of it, Such
speeches as that are not calculated to
please the American members of the
army
II am for an American army, first. last
and all the time," said another officer.
ssWhile view the difficulties now existing
as being a serious blow to the work, l be-
lieve it will work out for good to the greater
cause for religion. If the B Ballington Booths
after consideration determine to lead
another movement, not only New York,
where they are held especially dear. will
follow, but believe the Northwest division
will go with them in great numbers"
NICOL is CONFIDENT
New YORK, Fen. 2G.-At Salvation Army
headquarters today Colonel Nicol said that
majority of the brigadier-generals of the
army had been heard from by telegraph or
otherwise and that all professed answering
allegiance to the International organiza-
tion. The crisis, Colonel Nicol added, was
passed and complete harmony would soon
be restored. Commissioner Il Booth Va !,
at headquarters, but declined 10 he seen.
Several subordinate officers were ques-
toned as to the state of ahairs and the