NEW LEADER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 190, 14 August 1939, Page 9

NEW LEADER.

SALVATION ARMY.

EVE OF THE ELECTION.

COUNCIL MEETS TO-MORROW.

The High Council of the Salvation Army will meet in London to-morrow for the purpose of electing a General to succeed General Evangeline Booth, who lias reached the age of retirement. The High Council is composed of the Chief of Staff, Commissioner McMillan, and all the Commissioners of the Army throughout the world, the Xew Zealand representative being Commissioner F. Adams.

The council is called under the Salvation Army Act of 1931 and has the power to elect a president and vicepresident, and the person to be elected must have a two-thirds majority of the voting, which is bv ballot. s -

When the founder, General William Booth, first legalised the "Army," he made provision under a poll deed for each general to appoint his successor, the general for the time being placing the name of his appointee in the care of the Army's solicitor and to be released on his death. This did take place on the death of the founder and his son Bramwell became general under the poll deed.

Owing to the serious illness later of Bramwell Booth it became necessary to call the High Council together, which General William Booth had made provision for in case of serious complications. This met under the presidency of Commissioner Janies Hay —at that time in command of the Army's forces in New Zealand. Commissioner Higgins was elected, and then upon his reaching 70 years Eva Booth, the talented daughter of William Booth, was elected, and her name is a household word throughout, the world. Xow she has come to the time of retirement, and to-morrow a new general will be elected to sit in the seat of William Booth.

At the first meeting of the High Council it was realised that the Salvation Army had grown to such an extent that 6ome new method was needed of electing its leader. The High Council was given legal standing and authority in an Act put through the British Pailiament. This provides for the calling together of the council from time to time to elect a general, but the council immediately dissolves upon that election.

The position is one of intense interest to members of the Salvation Army and there seems to be two distinct groups. One wishes to see one of the older officers become the General, somewhat as a reward for long services. But against this there is a growing desire to get a younger man, with still many years of service left. There is also a spice of sentiment left, and this may be represented in votes for Commissioner Catherine Booth, grand-daughter of William Booth.

Among the names mentioned as possibilities is that of Commissioner McMillan, Chief of Staff, whose prospects might have been outstanding but for a serious breakdown in health this year, which has left him weak physically. Then there is Commissioner Hurren, who has spent most of his service on the administrative side and is a fine orator. Another name mentioned is that of Commissioner Damon, of the United States. These are all members of the council. It is, however, possible for the council to elect a general, who is not one of its members.