New-York tribune., 1907-11-02
NOT FOR SOCIALISM.
GENERAL BOOTH TALKS.
VIII Recommend to st. Peter Rich
Man Who lids Salvation Army.

General Booth, head of the Salvation Army,
was "at home" to the newspaper men yesterday.
The invitation read 1890 p. m, but the ven
cradle campaigner could not meet them at that
hour. so 1t was put off until later IN the day.
He looked older than he did on his visit
10 this country ten years ago. and in explana-
ton OF this and of his unfaling cheerfulness, he
said: 1.-The true Christian is not mechanical
neither is he sour-faced nor sad. but his joy
oozes out of his very pores"
In speaking of revivals. he said: "They need
that dash OF pepper which the Salvation Army
lends to their meetings. with that they will
succeed"
In reference to recent remark of Cardinal
Gibbons that to-days rich men could not ENTER
the kingdom of heaven" the general said:
1T all depends on what he does with his
riches If he would send some of them to the
salvation Army 1 would speak a word TO ST.
Peter for him."
In speaking of his itinerary General Booth
said: 81 have now taken up my programme
which had been arranged much to my satsfac-
ton. and I have grown stronger and stronger
This is an exemplification of my theory that
work is the great remedy for all human ills. I
have been in the country five weeks to-day 1
was sorry to omit my Cleveland programme, but
the meetings elsewhere have been marvellous
and have been attended with wonderful success
We have had grand receptions by enormous
crowds.
81 find that the people with no religious lean
ings are more sympathetic than many others
Blatant atheism has faded away very largely,
but silent agnosticism has increased in all direc-
tlons. Many doubt. but few have the courage
10 stand UP and say, I know"
When asked about socialism he answered:
"The best form Of socialism is a celestial creed.
to profess and to practise. It's basis is loving
your neighbor yourself. Worldly socialism
IS either too late too early. It should have
come before Eden or after the Judgment Day"
While on the subject of social conditions in
different countries. he said: "Slum life in Lon
don and that in New York are much alike. but
there is an American. difference. The dweller
in the London slums is patient: his forebears
have been summers; his descendants will be
summers Here there is more life. more activ-
ity, more chance 10 obtain work and rise above
conditions
Russia is awaiting the Salvation Army.
When 1 was in st. Petersburg and beheld the
starvation. the degradation. the dirt, saw the
great field that the army would have.
I'VE are 70 have a struggle in commerce with
Japan. The Japanese people are anxious 10
learn everything possible. 1 addressed one
meeting Of nine thousand students In Toxic
and every word 7 spoke was listened to with
rapt attention.
The Japanese, even the family living on %
cents a week. send their children to school,
neatly dressed and with breakfast at that
Tney do that because Of their frugality. They
know that there is more nutriment in beans and
rice than in meat. What we need is to teach
The British and the Americans thrift.
China is awakening The are al
lowed to have their feet grow naturally; the
students have discarded the pigtails, they dress
we'll and are anxious TO learn
HAS the army any money tied up in banks
affected by the recent fiurry?" was asked.
"No, the Salvation Army had money tied
up in the recent financial crisis. There were no
funds 10 be tied up. If the losses fell the
milIionaires only it might teach them lesson.
while the people might laugh at it."
Speaking Of divorce, the general said: "When
I was young it was awful to think Of It was
like being cast out OF Paradise Now it is
common affair. a man ought to be careful
about being married. as to be sure of his
affinity. Mistakes may be made"
General Booth is to address three meetings at
the New Amsterdam Theatre next Sunday, and
Monday night he will deliver his lecture on
9Th. Secret of the Success. of the Salvation
IS to address the Chamber OF Commerce and on
Friday night is to be at the great farewell
demonstration in City Hall Park. where he Will
speak
The general will depart for Europe on Satur-
probably not be able to return four years hence,
at the senf-centennial of the foundation of the
Salvation Army.