UNPERTURBED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 39, 15 February 1929, Page 7

UNPERTURBED.

BOOTH'S DEPOSITION.

Pathetic Appeal "For The

Army's Sake. ,,

STILL HOLDS FUNDS

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)

(Received 9.30 a.m.)

LONDON, February 14.

General Bramwell Booth has faced his second deposition with a serenity unperturbed. He was the recipient of many telegrams of condolence and encouragement.

He is now discussing his next move with his wife and daughter, and other members of the family. He is expected to meet his legal advisers on Friday.

i An important fact is that he is still trustee of the Army funds, which thus remain in his control. Intellectually General Booth is stated to be as vigorous as ever, and apart from the crisis, continues dictating his memoirs, but his physical strength is poor.

It is thought likely that the newly - elected general will appoint Commissioner Lamb, International Secretary and Director of Migration, as his Chief of Staff.

Mr. W. H. Jowitt, K.C., counsel for General Booth, made an impassioned appeal to the High Council on behalf of his client and read a letter from the general offering a fresh compromise.

In the course of the letter General Booth said: "The Army is facing a period fraught with very grave dangers. You and I must work for the Army's sake and forget, if need be, our individual hopes and aims.

"Could not we find a way? I have tried to meet you with my previous proposals, and am ready to consider any made by the council. Surely after my lifetime's work with the same ends in view as yours, we ought to find a better way than separation."

The letter continued: "The newlyraised doubts as to the validity and interpretation of the supplementary, deed of 1904 fill me with anxiety. God i.-> restoring my health and I feel strongly I ought not to be denied the opportunity of reshaping the deed.

"I have more right than any of you. by experience and knowledge, to act in the matter. If we work together all may yet be well, but if I am deprived of my place as leader of the Army tbe position will be so complicated that loss and confusion must follow.

"If the improvement in my health does not justify my expectations I shall of course retire, but I should be jfiveii time for my recovery, which is confidently expected."

The members of the council cheered wildly after the election of Commissioner Higgins. In an interview subsequently he said he had been elected without conditions except those imposed in th-j foundation deed of 1878 and the supple mentary deed poll of 1904. If the validity of the latter were attacked it niusf; be defended.

Commissioner Higgins said he did not know whether General Booth would accept the council's decision, but he did not anticipate a legal move. General Booth Would retain his title, but "retired" would be written after his name. The council did not want to take away any honours belonging to him.

The "Daily Express" says it understands General Booth will defy the decision of the council. The outgoing finances of the Army are. still under hi" personal control and he feels it to be bib duty to retain the command.

An immediate application to the Courts is being considered by the general's lawyers.

NO ILL FEELING.

Genera] Higgins Will Commence

Reorganisation.

REFORMS TO BE MADE

(Australian Press Asua.—United Service.)

(Received 12 noon.)

LONDOX, February 14

Outlining his immediate plans General Higgins states that it will be necessary sooner or later to meet General Booth in order to transfer the trusteeship. It' General Booth is unwilling to make the transfer a legal action will be inevitable.

General Higgins intends to appoint two commissions in order to institute reforms. One will investigate the method of- appointing 'future general.-. and the other will consider the allimportant question of trusteeship. it has been decided that the business side will no longer be vested in one- man.

The suggestion that America desires control of the Army is absolutely unfounded. Commissioners sent a" message of love and affection to General Booth. There is no ill-feeling. Commissioner Evangeline Booth assured the general of the united support of the Army in America.

STRONG, JUST MAN.

HIS SACRIFICE FOR ARMY

(United Service.)

(Received 9 a.m.)

LONDON, February 14

A strong, just man is how intimate friends describe Edward John Higgins aged 64, Chief of Staff since 1919, aiif; the newly-chosen leader of the Salvatioi Army. He joined the Army, togethe; with his father, the late Commissions Higgins, in 1882, giving up a prosperoubusiness.

He was appointed chief secretary to America in 1896, serving under Commisioner Eva Booth until 1905 when h< returned to London as assistant foreigi. secretary. He later became commit sioner. His wife was an officer in tinArmy at the age of 17.