Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-17
GEN. BOOTH DIES
IN SUDDEN RELAPSE
Turbulent Battle to Rem&in
Head of Salvation Army
Is Recalled.
~ the Associated Press.


HADLEY WOOD, England, June II.
Death. coming suddenly, ended
peacefully yesterday the life of Gen.
William Bramwell Booth after turbu-
lent battle to remain at the head OF
the Salvation Army. He was 70 years
old and Sc years of his life were de-
voted to the army founded by his
father.
A communique issued from his home
last evening said he had suffered re-
lapse. A short while afterward an an
nouncement was made that he had
passed away shortly after pm. His
wife and family, with the exception of
his daughter, Commissioner Mary, who
was in Germany, were with him.
In London Gen. Edward j. Higgins,
successor to the deceased at the head
of the Salvation Army, said, when told
Of his death
Gen. Booth was great man. His
Is years of leadership embraced the
period of the World War, but his skill
and wisdom brought the army through
Is an unbroken international unit.
Gratitude for his life and notable serv-
ices will be expressed by our mem
bers all over the world"
Army Funeral Suggested.
Gen. Higgins and other army chiefs
expressed the wish that Gen. Booth be
given a ceremonial army funeral sim
liar to that accorded his famous father,
the late Gen. William Booth.
One effect of the generals death,
It was believed, would be to put an end
to all further litigation connected with
the army's leadership. thus saving the
surviving leaders anxiety and the army
itself considerable expense. 1t was be-
leved distress he felt at deposition as
head of the army had an adverse effect
upon his physical condition and may
have shortened his life somewhat.
Throughout yesterday the general
remained conscious and was able to rec
ognize his wife, his daughters Dora and
Olive, and his two sons as they stood at
his bedside.
Death Very Sudden.
1t was only just before the end that
he lapsed into unconsciousness. One of
his family said death came very sud-
denly, but perfectly peaceful" Those
by the bedside we're praying for him.
At the end of their prayers they looked
at him and saw he had ceased to
breathe. His face wore complete calm.
Gen. Booth was removed from his
Office as commander in chief of the
long fight the high council of the army
ruled he was physically unfit to con-
tinue his work. The custer followed
growth of a reform movement within
the army in which his own sister,
Comdr. Evangeline Booth head Of the
army in the United States, lined up with
the reformers.
Flags Not Lowered.
Covered with Salvation Army BAN
ner, the body lay In his pleasant SUBJ
urban house here today. Not a flag
was lowered at the international head
quarters in Queen Victoria street. I'VE
keep our standard flying high" said a
high official. For Gen. Booth Is not
dead-he has passed to glory"
But though the army tradition does
not admit loss there was in evidence
everywhere among the Salvationists
deep sense of personal loss that they
felt at the 73-year-old generals death,
80 quietly and suddenly last night after
final months of life which had been
filled with the agony of Ill health, dis
tasteful conflict, and defeat.
The general spoke to his family yes
terday afternoon before he lapsed into
Inconsistencies. What his words how
ever, has not been revealed to the pub
lie, but one who was near to him said
today, He didn't know the end was so
near"
The peace of the tree-shaded street in
Hadley Wood where he lived was broken
today only by the opening and shutting
OF the gates as messenger boys brought
cables with messages of sympathy and
coincidence to Mrs Booth and her chill
dren from all parts of the world.
The Salvation Army probably will be
1ntrusted with arrangements for the
funeral. The generals parents are bur-
led in Abney Park Cemetery in North
London, and it was his family's wish he
lie at the side Of the Salvation Arny's
founder, his own father.
Sympathy From Throne.
Mrs. Booth received a message of
sympathy from the King reading as
follows:
1.-THE Queen and have heard with
regret of the death of Gen. Bramwell
Booth and we otter you our sincere
sympathy in your bereavement. with
his father, he Will always be gratefully
remembered as the promoter Of the