The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-25
EVA BOOTH In CHARGE.
Concluded from First Page.)

moval of Commander and Mrs Darlington
Booth. The letter, which Is dated Feb. 10,
follows:
'Dear Sir-I have 70 acknowledge the re-
ceipt OF the letter Of Sd Of February, signed
dressed to General Booth. Inasmuch as a
considerable delay must needs occur before
the General can reply by letter TO yours.
owing to his absence in the East, and seeing
that we have already obtained from the
General-to whom 1 have cabled an epitome
Of the resolutions which were embodied in
yours-telegraphic instruction as TO his
views the matter generally, ii seems to
me that IL would only be courteous that
should endeavor to explain them on his be-
half so far as l am able to do So
Il shall, of course, refrain from observa-
tons which think the General might prefer
himself to make, in view, of his personal
acquaintance with the gentlemen signing the
letter to him. and will confine myself to
indicating to you the general principles that
are at the base of his decision 10 change
United States. And L desire. first of all, to
point out that this change Is in entire har-
mony with the system and practice of the
army since its inauguration Indeed. but for
the operation OF this rule or periodical re-
moval from one command to another, Com
mander and Mrs Booth would not have
dwell on this fact because L see evidence,
both in your memorial before me and in
the comments OF section or the American
press, OF superstition that in some way
our treatment OF the present case is excep-
, tional
Il think you will admit that the large
measure of success which has been attained
by the army is in itself proof that the an
ticipations of disaster, very similar in char
acter TO these you seem TO entertain, which
have nearly always found expression when
cur successful commissioners were remov-
ing. have been groundless. These removals
have always been made. they have always
been deprecated and often vigorously OPP
posed. but L think you will acknowledge
that the mere existence of the army to-day,
in greater strength than ever, is striking
proof that they were necessary to the reali-
zation of its divine commission TO go into
all the world and 10 disciple all nations.
But why such changes Net only for the
sake of the direct advantages-tne posi-
tive good-which il the United States and in
other countries that have already gained.
but in order TO secure the utmost devotion
TO the principles which the army has been
raised up 10 enforce and 10 avoid any su1u
exclusive confidence in. or attachment 20
individuals as your memorials convey 1t is.
/ believe | am right in saying, much the
same consideration as has led an over
whelming majority of your statesmen to OBJ
ject 10 third terms and 10 do SO even when
the alternative was admittedly selection
largely deprived OF the distinguished gifts
. belonging to the President for whom third
term has been proposed. And the general
fees himself all the more bound to this
principle and to its equal application, in a
case where members OF his own family are
involved. IL would be graveiy and imme-
diate:y destructive to confidence in the whole
administration OF the army If IL could APP
pear as though to be his son privileged any
man, on that account. to obtain for him.
self more agreeable position or a greater
popularity than others no less devoted and
experienced could attain. Expediency, as
well as the universal sense OF justice, de-
maflis that IL should be made IMPOSSIBLE tc
doub; the impartiality OF the General In
these great appointments.
but there is one respect especially In
which / venture 10 think your memorials
reveal q danger which General Booth can