TWO WOMEN VIRTUE RIVALS FOR HEADSHIP OF SEVATION ARMY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6803, 5 January 1929, Page 10

TWO WOMEN VIRTUE RIVALS FOR HEADSHIP OF SEVATION ARMY

Sister and Daughter EMINENT COUNSEL TO REPRESENT GENERAL FITNESS FOR OFFICE. j -Australian Press Association. Received Friday, 7.0 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 4. Eminent counsel will represent General Bramwell Booth, at the High Council. It is stated that certificates indicating his fitness to carry on will be submitted in the event of anything being said which is considered a reflection on his management and steps ■will be taken to carry the defence to another court. For the first time since Commander Evangeline Booth’s arrival from America, the General met his sister and Commissioner Catherine Booth, his daughter. Their conversation is not disclosed, though it is understood the two women are virtual rivals for the headship. It is also believed Catherine will prove to be the successor nominated by General Booth. The High Council can only depose ■ General Booth on a three-fourths majority. It is thought the Army leaders from Australia, New Zealand, America and Canada favour a successor from outside the Booth family. Elaborate precautions are being taken to ensure secrecy. SHOCK TO AGED GENERAL, r LONDON, Jan. 3. It is officially announced at the Salration Army headquarters that General Booth has been informed of the summoning of the High Council. An official pointed out that the doctors considered General Booth still too ill to face the shock, and that his wife and daughter conveyed the news to him and his first thought was for the Army. He said: “I have loved tho Army and done my best for my people.' ’ After some reflection, and asking of questions, he added: “Whatever others think of the government of the Army, they must feel that this is rather rough on me.” Tho official added that the news came as a great shock to General Booth, who passed a somewhat restles night, though his general condition remains hopeful.