The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1896-04-02
Highest Of all il Leayening Power-Latest I. S. Govt Report
R@!a!:a!!! Ba'iRs
ABSOLUTELY PURE
B0O7HS VOLUNTEERS.
Roughs Disturb the 0rganiza-
ton Of a Post at Old
Foundry Mission.

II was a mixed gathering that filed into
the Old Foundry Mission. on Railroad
avenue near Henderson street. last
night, to witness the mastering of a new
post into Commander Ballington Booths
American Volunteers. The front row 81
seats was filled with well dressed ladies.
The rear of the hall was crowded by 4
gang of roughs, with whom the vicinity
abounds. They We're evidently bent upon
mischief and during he services suc-
ceeded IN perpetrating q mean trick
which resulted in a slight disturbance.
The services commenced with an open
air meeting led by Captain Mary Archer.
formerly sergeant in Salvation Army
Corps No. /. Fully 300 people followed
the Volunteers into the hall at the con-
clusion of the outdoor services. "A liberal
array of gas jets lit up the homely room
and disclosed an abundance of American
flags. The hall fairly glowed with the
National colors, and had more the APP
pearance of G. A. R. post quarters than
of a religious meeting room.
Shortly after eight o'clock Major Pattie
Watkins, the Swedish nightingale, an
tered the hall. She was accompanied BY
Staff Captain Lindsay and Captain Grady
Of Chicago. AS she ascended the plat
form rousing cheers were given for the
American Volunteers, Mr.. and Mrs. Bal
lfngton Booth and Major Watkins.
When the tumult subsided, Major
Watkins advanced to the front Of the
platform, where the female portion of
her audience had a good opportunity tc
criticize the new uniform of the Ameri-
can Volunteers. It is a close fitting
habit of cadet blue, not unlike in cut
that worn by Salvation Army lassies.
1t was a homely, yet withal a pleasing
face that locke out of the ugly poke
bonnet upon the attentive assembiage.
But as the lips parted the features grew
animated and became almost beautiful
Major Watkins voice is both pleasing
and storing. She has a happy knack of
getting off abrupt sentences which never
failed to elicit laughter.
THE American Volunteers have come
to stay said she. 'sand | am glad to be
q worker under its banner. We have now
Hfteen posts and please God we will have
many more. We are progressing slowly
but surely. Now, let me tell YOU that
we are a wonderful lot of people, and
ABOVE all we are free-free to do as God
wishes, free to do as we please"
Some of the listeners took this as a
covert slap at the Salvation Army and
~applauded heartily.
W are going forward regardless OF
consequences continu "a Major Wat
ny II feel as i Goo led me to take
the step ! did IN following my old com
mander. My former comrades frequent-
" ask me If I am happy. Do 1 look
m~iserable?u
Cries Of mo. Mo-. the ques-
ton.
Major Watkins then requested Captain
Grady to sing and it was while he was
doing so that the rough element made
their presence known, One of their num-
Der stole out OF the hall and soon after
was confusion and then Major Pattie
Watkins voice was heard above the
noise singing the hymn commenced by
Captain Crazy. It had a quieting effect
on the audience and prevented what
might rave been a panic. Soon all joined
in the singing n the only confusion
that followed was the stampede of
roughs out OF the hail.
When the lights were again turned
on Major Watkins was singing "He.
and the unpleasant incident ended.
In calling Tor a liberal collection Major
Watkins took occasion to pay a tribute
to Commander and Mrs. Darlington
DcUtH, III WHICH she urged all TO WOfk
together for the success of the move
ment.
Their spirits have been dropping
She said; but now, thank God, they
can see q ray of light. Above all nations
the4Americans believe in the volunteers.
How siobiy they responded to President
Lincoin's call to free the slave from his
shackles. 1t now remains for them to
volunteer to free their souls from SIM
In conclusion Major Watkins said: EN-
thn Sntfnftnn A rrp 7 MO 50 cf,a1,i n $40
cessful beggar that my comrades call
me one. They often told me thai when
l died they would put a stone upon my
grave bearing his inscription, sAnd it
came to pass that the beggar died.
The collection yielded a goodly sum and
the organizers of the new movement in
this city are greatly encouraged by
the outlook.