Evening star., 1898-02-15
SALVATION ARMY BAGS BIG GAME.
Col. w. H. Stevenson Joins and Gives
$1,000 Check.

$1,000 Check.
A special to the New York World
from Bridgeport, Conn, says: The spirit
of the Salvation Army has come over
Col. William II. Stevenson and he
has Joined the organization, signaizing the
fact on Sunday night by presenting it with
a check for 5000.
In the state of Connecticut no one is
better known that Col. Stevenson and
the Salvation Army members are cele-
brating as they have never before ceIe-
brated the advent of a recruit
Col. Stevenson was superintendent of
the New York, New Haven and Hartford
railroad in the early eighties. From 1887
until 1892 he was vice president and gen
eral manager of the Housatonic system
of railways.
For three years he was, on the staff
of Gov. Thomas NJ Waller. Twice he
was a candidate for governor before
the convention. He is a member of the
the Stevenson Military Brass Band. He
is composer of music himself He has
large railroad interests in Ohio and
gold mines on the Pacific slope. He is
known from Maine to California.
A few years ago he attracted atten-
ton in New York by taking the part of
a newsboy againt Gerry agent and was
arrested. Col. Stevenson was fined $50,
He has always been a good man and
charitable. But no one was prepared
for the sensation of Sunday night. The
Salvation Army meeting was well ad-
vanced in the barracks in Broad street
when Col. Stevenson came in unpoticed.
He sat in the rear of the hall for a lit
tie time and then arose to his feet.
Il love to hear the band of the Saliva
ed my window to listen to it's sweet mu-
sic as 1t passed up Broad street. / love
to hear the Salvation Army voices in
singing. I left my house this evening
without the slightest intention of COM
ing to this meeting, but 1 heard the band
1t drew me toward the army and l came
in.
1.-The Salvation Army is doing great
work In fact. l have no hesitation in
saying that it is doing more good in the
world and for the world than all the
churches put together.
II am cropping in the dark myself but
l expect to find the light some day 1
want to join the army. Will you accept
me?"
There was little silence, followed by
confused murmur. There was not a per-
son who did not know Col Stevenson and
VINO was not startled at his request Even
the officers of the army were amazed But
they recovered themselves quickly.
"Hallelujah," they shouted: God bless
YOU" They fired the Salvation salute,
they gave thanks and their joy was great
dozen warriors and lassies gathered
about Col. Stevenson. They shook him bv
the hand, clapped him on the shoulder
They led him. nothing 10th, to the plat-
form. They prayed with him. They sang
their triumphant hymns. They pleaded
with all others there to emulate Col Stew
enson's example. They must hear him
speak again.
THE first thing in military circles" he
said, land l believe that this is an army
is to insure your footing on a good, sub
stantial basis"
With that Col. Stevenson drew a little
book from his pocket, sat down and filled
out check on the Connecticut National
Bank for 5000, which he presented to the
captain of the barracks.
The band struck up song, and never
did Bridgeport hear the Salvation Army
sing with such enthusiasm and feryor
And the colonel sang with them.
And when the meeting was over the
band and all the salvationists must es-
cort Col. Stevenson to his fine residence,
playing with vigor and singing en- route,
and Col. Stevenson at the head of the
procession.
When he reached his house he invited
them all in. There were religious serv-
ices in the parlor, Col. Stevenson himself
leading In prayer. Then refreshments
were served. After this the band must
play outside and serenade Col Steven
son. which it did for an hour.
Bridgeport never saw nor heard a Sum
day night serenade before and it did not
know what to make of the demonstra-
ton. The great crowd that gathered
| thought that some people had gone mad
Col. Stevenson was to have led the pa
clement. He says he will lead it fire.