INTERNAL STRIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 12, 15 January 1929, Page 7

INTERNAL STRIFE.

DISSATISFIED ARMY. Strong Feeling Against Booth Favouritism. CRITICISM SUPPRESSED. (United Service.) LONDON, January 14.

Mr. F. A. Mackenzie, a London journalist and author, has written au article on the Salvation Army in the "Daily News."

He reveals the fact that the reform movement in the organisation was begun two years ago when Colonel Carpenter, then a prominent official at headquarters in London, thought it his duty respectfully to tell General Bramwell Booth that his quick promotion of hie own children was causing dissatisfaction. General Booth immediately relegated Colonel Carpenter to a minor post in Melbourne, which he had held 22 years previously. He never saw him again, but many commissioners and officials signed an album paying a tribute to and sympathising with the disrated officer. This devotion to Colonel Carpenter crystallised in the vague discontent from which the present movement has grown. One party desires a wider elective system which would give greater power to the different sections of the Army and enable local corps to make their choice of officers. Opponents of this policy are of the opinion that it would destroy the system of military direction and quick decisions and action which make the Army efficient. The latest names to be freely mentioned as possible successors to General Booth are those of Commissioner James Hay, of New Zealand, whose presidency of " the High Council has won him great credit; Commissioner David C. Lamb, International Social Secretary and Director of Emigration; Commissioner Samuel Hurren, of the British headquarters; Commissioner E. J. Higgins, Chief of Staff; and Commander Evangeline Booth, sister of the general. The "Daily Mail" says thousands of the members of the Salvation Army are indignant with the High Council for keeping them in ignorance of event* until the disclosure of the general's letter forced publicity.

A woman officer stationed in the East End of London complains that the rank and file of the Army are forced to bear the ignominy of the dispute. They are dreading "self-denial week." which ie to commence on February 23, when they must appeal to the public. They dare not express their views because they would be suspended and lose their means of livelihood.

GENERAL TO REFUSE.

NEGATIVE REPLY TO COUNCIL. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) LONDON, January 14. The "Daily Telegraph" says it understands that the view held in official Salvation Army circles is that General Booth will refuse to accept the High Council's ultimatum. The SouthwoUl correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" definitely states that General Booth has written to th 2 council expressing his firm resolve not to retire. Nevertheless his reply contains the outline of a compromise. If the council decides to depose him the general will light the matter in the law Courts.

A great number of cablegrams and other communications from Canada, New Zealand, the United Statps and elsewhere were received at So\ithwold during the week-end, promising General Booth support. "Stick to your guns," says on-2 message. "We are with you to the end," reads another.

Lieutenant-Colonel Muirhead has sent a, letter to the members of the High Council, in which he says: "British justice demands that even a criminal shall have a fair trial. Shall we be less just to ovir own general? It savours of sacrifice of principle to indulge in personal dislikes, not ostensibly against General Booth but against some per.-or. whom he is supposed to have named as his successor."