SALVATION ARMY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY

THE REFORM MOVEMENT.

STORY OF ITS ORIGIN.

DESIRES OF THE PARTIES

Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.l* —United Service).

LONDON, Jan. 13. Mr. F. A. MacKenzie, in an article in the ‘‘Daily News,” reveals that the reform movement in the Salvation Army began two years ago, when Colonel Carpenter, then a prominent official at headquarters, London, thought it his duty respectfully to tell the General that his quick promotion of his own children was causing dissatisfaction .

The General immediately relegated Colonel Carpenter to a minor part in Melbourne, which he had held 22 years previously. The General never saw him again, but many commissioners and officials signed an album paying a tribute to and sympathising with Colonel Carpenter. This devotion to Colonel Carpenter crystallised the vague discontent from which the present movement has grown. One party desires a wider elective system giving greater power to different sections and enabling local corps the choice of their officers. The opponents are of opinion that this would destroy the. system of military direction, quick decisions and actions which make the Army efficient. The latest names freely mentioned as possible successors to the General are Commissioners Hay, whose presidency of the council has won great credit, Lamb, Hurren, Higgins, and Commander Evangeline Booth. The “Daily Mail” says that thousands of Salvationists are indignant at the council keeping them ignorant of events until the disclosure of the General’s letter forced publicity.

An East End woman officer complains that the rank and file are forced to bear the ignominy of the dispute. “YVe are dreading the self-denial week, when we must appeal to the public,” she said. “We dare not express our views, because we would be suspended and would lose our livelihood.”

Hundreds of cablegrams and other communications from Canada, New Zealand, the United States and elsewhere have been received at Southwold during the week-end, promising General Booth support. “Stick to your guns,” says one. “YY r e are with yon to the* end,” reads another. Lieutenant-Colonel Muirhead sent a letter to members of the High Council stating : “British justice demands that even a criminal shall have fair trial. Shall we be* less just to our own General?”

GENERAL BOOTH’S REPLY,

SAID TO BE REFUSAL TO RETIRE,

THE LEGAL POSITION DISCUSSED

Received 9.45 a.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 14

‘ General Booth’s reply was completed last night. It is not a refusal to retire, says the “Daily Mail,” but a declaration that he has no power to do so. The “Daily News” says it is a flat refusal to retire.

Meanwhile dramatic developments are promised when the High Council resumes to-morrow, as a result of doubts as to the legality of the council’s decision to ask the General to retire

The “Daily Mail” says: “According to the Army’s deed poll the council only possesses power to depose a general on the ground of unfitness to continue the leadership. A Salvationist official told the “Daily Mail” that the General has not power to retire; if he does it is highly probable that lie will be acting illegally. This fact will be brought to the council’s notice, probably forcing reconsideration of the position afresh. The council may refuse, whereupon the matter may be decided m the courts.”