New-York tribune., 1922-09-17
Revolt Grows
Over Removal
OF Miss Bootl,
Protests Sent 10 London
VIII BE Unofficial, but
Salvationists Here OPP
pose One Man Power
General Is Criticize e d
Head of Army Said To Be
Surrounded by Advis-
ers He Picked Himself

II any protest against the removal
of Evangeline Booth, commander of the
American branch of the Salvation Army
is made by branch leaders throughout
the country, it will be made unofficialiy,
according TO statement by Brigadier
Richard Griffith, Miss Booths secre-
tary, at the close of the three-day con-
ference in the Fourteenth Street head
quarters yesterday.
The officer did not deny the report
of concerted protest, however, though
he chose to call it an expression Of
genuine sorrow that Commander Booth
. was to be withdrawn from her post"
at is not in accordance with the
policies of the Salvation Army" he
said, "to object to rule laid down
by it's chief. Everybody within the
organization, and outside, is sorry, in
deed, that Miss Booth is to leave us.
She is very much loved, both for her
self and for her untiring work in the
cause of humanity. She was unusually
successful.
"The cable from General Bramwell
Booth, the commanders brother, an
nouncing her retirement as American
head, was great blow, though hardly
surprise to us. 1t is the custom of
the Salvation Army to shift its officers
about for the good of the institution.
Miss Booth has been in command here
for eighteen years, an unprecedented
term of office. and her removal was
momentarily expected"
May Get Higher Post
Asked why Commander Booth had
not been retired years ago, when the
customary length of Office expired, her
secretary replied that conditions were
such as to demand her continued serv-
ice. The war made a change of lead
ers inexpcdient, he said, and she was
retained for few more years.
"The general is in close touch with
| international Salvation Army affairs"
the official said, "and he must have had
a definite idea in mind when he sent
interest of the organization at heart,
and he probably thinks that Miss
Booth can be spared from her work
here in order to accept another post. )"
Brigadjer Griffith was positive in his
opinion that Miss Booth would be ele-
waited to position Of greater import
ance and not removed from her con-
tact with the organization.
Her work is invaluable and was
recognized as such," he said. "It is
possible that if the general were con-
vinced that Miss Booth were essential
to the work in this country he would
rescind his order, but l think it highly
improbable that he will change his
Ind nf
papers pointed out, supporters of the
Salvation Army were to withdraw their
funds. He is the absolute head of the
| international organization.
II am positive that there will be no
official protest of the generals order,
If the American army were displeased
by an cdct issued by General Perish
ing, they would not demur in body,
although their might be expressions of
displeasure. Proof that there is an
actual need for her work here rather
than coelcing him by withdrawal Of
contributions might swerve him, but
even then l doubt it,"
Does Not Want to Go
No reply has been received from
General Booth in answer to the cable
gram sent by Miss Booth on the news
of her retirement, and she will retain
her Office until a successor is ap~
pointed. Salvationists at the confer
ence frankly hoped that the change
would be long deferred.
Miss Booth made this statement yes
terday in reference to her retirement:
81 have just received a direct mes
sage from General Bramwell Booth, of
London, which confirms his previous
statement to the newspapers that there
is no definite date fixed for change
in the administration of Salvation
Army affairs in the United States.
"The general makes it clear in his
cable that there is DO new develop
ment, as it was understood at the time
of the change in the organization, when
the three territories were instituted
and the three commissioners appointed,
that at time to be decided upon the
three commissioners would be report
ing direct to international headquar-
ters, which would automa tically do
away with the necessity of the position
of national commander and a ma
tional headquarters, although some
one would be appointed to serve as
head of the army business corporation
only"
She is said to deplore her impending
removal although she wished to obey
willingly any order General Booth may
see fit to give" She admitted that
if she must go it would be with q
"broken heart at the thought Of leav-
ing America"
! Distinct dissatisfaction with General