The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-27
A MORNING WITH
 EVANGELINE BOOTH
BY ANNIE KEN DRlcK WALKER.

in it's rescue work. the great cities in this country are admitting that our methods are more effeetual. Where other organizations have failed in the estab- fishing of rescue homes. and regard this work as the least encouraging, we con slider it the most encouraging of any of our departments. Last year alone there were three thousand young women to en- ter our rescue homes. Statistics show that ninety-fve per cent of these cases are permanently reclaimed
 Then there is what is termed our so- cial and industrial work. In this age of stern and somewhat merciless compeu- ton, I find 1t is more than ever the case that the weaker brother in the great human family is pushed to the wall re- .gardless of what may become of him or those distinctly dependent upon him for support. Doubtless the merchant prince would say the ethics of commercial life permit this. Perhaps they do.
 He might also claim that, with the strenuosity of competition that charae- terizes the high pressure age in which We live, he cannot afford to retain any but the strongest, brainiest and most saga cious man as his business associates and assistants l can sec the logic of that, too. But the question remains to be an swered-what shall be done with the man who through prolonged sickness suffers loss of position as well as loss of strength and energy? What shall be done with the dispirited ones who find themselves un- employed and on the wrong side of the dead line? What shall we advise them to do-steal. or starve, or go to the poor house, or become the recipients of cold charity? Either of these avenues are open, it Is true but who is there among us who could advise the adoption of either?
 q thank God for such organizations as are ready and willing to step in and ex- tend a helping hand and say Here is an open door for you. Here is at least a chance to chamber upon the bottom rung of the industrial ladder, and a possibility of climbing farther up truly substan tial cup of cold water that shall not fail of it's reward Among these l rejoice to place the Salvation Army.
 linen l must draw your attention to our food and shelter depots and cheap restaurants for poor men and women which now number seventy-three. In these institutions we take care of many thousands yearly, two strong points about them being whoesomeness, for we firmly believe in the adage that cleanliness ia next to Godiness. and a good moral and spiritual atmosphere. Drinking and lad language are strictly and success fully forbidden. Meetings are regularly held for the spiritual welfare of the in- mates.
 Our slum posts numbering a score in our larger cities accomplish a great amount of good, although necessarily in quiet and transformations fashion. The consecrated slum lassies could tell you some most fascinating stories of the sick visited, medicine provided, neglected chil- dren washed and dressed and sent to school, the dead prepared for burial. floors scrubbed, food supplied and the consola- ton of eonsecrated heart in touch with God glven.'
 "A most important wing of this angel of mercy" continued Miss Booth ''is our industrial homes-a network of which exists from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is here that the man who has been pushed to the wall can be rehabilitated and started again upon the highroad to success and self-respect. The salesrooms connected with these institutions are most interesting places to visit. The public press has given a great deal of space to them and many amused smiles have been created by the statement that newly mar red couples through their agency have been enabled to start housekeeping on $10 note, but such is. nevertheless, the case. The industrial homes themselves give employment to practically any un- employed man of fair character and abil- ity good board and lodging being guaran- teed and a small salary paid until he can do better, which it is needless for me to say he is encouraged in every way pos sble to do.
 "Another of these merciful wings l might briefly mention are our three orphanages, situated in country districts in different states. Our little charges
 
 ing to foster their highest spiritual and material interests in the system of train ing we have in vogue. There is nothing so appealing as little children. We are sure they appeal very strongly to the sympathetic hearts of our Father in Heaven.
 q might mention scores of other works of mercy with which the Salvation Army is endeavoring to bless the world and lessen its sorrow For instance the farm colonies, that have attracted attention far and near; the Christmas dinners. which last year numbered close to half a milion the penny ice and cheap coal charities; the summer outings to many thousands of poor children and their r.others; the free breakfasts to hungry school children; our work amongst the prisons, hospitals and old soldiers homes. and many other special efforts for ameliorating the worlds grlefs and heal ing it's woes
 'frhe ouestiOn may arise, What will be