The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1908-08-09
MILLIONS MET GEN. BOOTH
FIVE WEEKS TOUR or THE HEAD
or THE SALVATION ARMY.

UT "H SA''A1iON ARMY
A. SO He Tra, ersed Great britain IN n
Snow white Motor Gar and Preached
to $500 900 Persous-last OF tits
Auto Campaigns-Seuth Africa Next
LONDON. July 2s.-sThe Pilgrimage OF
the King OF Hearts, lie what they call the
remarkable FIVE weeks automobile tour
which Gen. Booth OF the Salvation Army
has made from end to end and side to side
of this island.
A man Of 80 who can spend nearly ten
hours on the road and make an average of
four and a half speeches a day for five
weeks is a phenomenon. To be sure, Gen,
Booth's motor car Is the most comfortable
that can be made, his every physical want
is anticipated and provided for, in fact
he is nursed and coddled like an invalid
sovereign. A sovereign he is in truth,
In the kingdom which he crested forty
years ago and which he now rules with a
gentle autocraoy. To an outside observer
the first thing which impresses one who
accompanies Gen. Booth on a days itinerary
is the courtly formality. not to say elaborate
obsequiousness. which surrounds the COM
mander Of the Salvation Army wherever
he goes.
When Gen. Booth first proposed some
i've years ago to make q motor tour through
the country his immediate cabinet were
horrihed at the proposal. That this frail
old man should undertake 90 trying an
experience seemed TO them quite out OF
b question. But the General had his
way, and as that tour proved a tremendous
success he has undertaken one very year
since then.
This trip, which terminated at the Crystal
Palace on Saturday, will probably be the
last, because though it has been q success
The idea has undoubtedly lost it's novelty,
and the General Is wise In his generation
and realizes that when a thing loses it's
novelty 1t somewhat loses its effect.
The pilgrimage started In Glasgow and
worked it's way through Scotland down
into England, visiting little villages far
from railroads, as well as the larger towns.
1t was these little villages that the General
particularly wished to reach-plaoes 30
small that news from the outside world
only comes to them through the village
carrier, who also occasionally distributes
much belated London daily papers. Here
the visits Of the Salvation Army leader
roused great excitement and old and young
f1ocked to the sides Of the roads to see the
motors and to hear the General speak.
The pilgrimage was very well arranged.
First went a dark red motor, which was
called the pioneer car, and being several
hours in advance Of the others prepared
the way for the Generals arrival.
In the larger towns where regular indoor
meeting, with an entrance fee had been
arranged the commissioners in this car
attended to business details. And every
where along tho road they. informed all
who wished e. see the. army oommander |
just about what time he might be expected
to pass their hamlet. As nearly on time |
a. human skill and the ~frailties Of motor
cars allowed the General appeared.
The pioneer car contained three COM
missioners OF he army. and whenever
time allowed they held impromptu open air |
meetings themselves.
Ncxt to this advance automobile came
3 large snow white car. In the front seats
were r. trusty chauffeur who has driven
Cien. Booth on oil his tours and the Gem |
Crpl's secretary.
On the back seats were COMMISSIONS |
Niooll. who formed the famous Anti Suicide |
] no gue. and at his side the General himself, |
~~""ring a vivid green motor coat and his
Selection Army cap. Very hale and we'll |
tho cid man looked. with the flush Of the
q n IN his check and his long white beard
in tho wind.
CHS, behind the Commanders car came
: t'ird motor with the Generals body ser
vrnt Fnd two more Army commissioners,
end bringing up the rear was the baggage
CIR. loaded with things that might help
TIE aged.leader to bear the fatigue OF the
lonr end trying our
Poorhous,s. prisons. refugees and REFORM
rt"rics were I'll visited wherever IL was
rcssihl., and when the white car came in
view with it's easily recognized occupant
the pris ,neTs, with their Warden guarding
them. the paupers. with their attendants.
the inmates of the refugees and reforma-
tories were often allowed to assemble In
'front.' Of the buildings lest the General should
not wish to enter from lack Of time or too
fatigue. All these, forgetting disci-
Zine and restrictions. gave three cheers
or the Army Commander or a hearty God
you
In the large towne where meetings had
oeen arranged the General stepped from his
motor car amid a group OF his commits
with barred and bowed heads. and
surrounded by a crowd partly curious and
enthusiastic but always respectful
uttered the theatre. the market or the
own hall, whichever IL happened to be.
His audience was always assembled. and
N the platform were leading townsmen.
he Mayor and some ministers.
II the town had a Salvation Army band
/ played an opening hymn. IL somewhat
at least with fervor. Then
or an hour the General spoke Of the army
york and It's accomplishments and wound
with a plea for financial help. After
he collection had been taken up and q
hymn sung. out through the standing.
crowd walked the old CON-
supported on either side by a com =
missioner, and away he whirled in a cloud
( dust to the next place where he was
expected.
It 10 estimated that in all the General I
as addressed $500. 600 persons during the
lst five weeks and n profit Of as 900 will ,