DEPUTATION ASKS GENERAL BOOTH TO RESIGN HIS POST

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6810, 14 January 1929, Page 7

DEPUTATION ASKS GENERAL BOOTH TO RESIGN HIS POST

Answer To-morrow HIS SISTER NOT PRESENT AT INTIMATE INTERVIEW “CALL ANOTHER DAY.’’ United Press Association —By Electrie Telograph—Copyright. LONDON, Jan. 11. The deputation arrived at Genera] Booth’s houso in two imposing limousines. They were received by a member of the household staff and left half an fyour later. They made no statement. Subsequently one of General Booth’s daughters made an announcement to the effect that the General’s condition had not permitted their reception, and that the delegates would return later. The deputation returned at one o'clock and entered the sick room. Each shook hands and expressed greetings and the hope for the General’s recovery. Commissioner Hay then intimated the council’s request that General Booth resign. General Booth is reported to have intimated that he would give his answer on Monday. There was an eleventh-hour surprise. The General’s sister, Eva hurriedly arrived by motor car to join the deputation, though previously she had not visited her brother.

Commissioner Eva Booth did not see her brother. It was stated, in view of the General’s illness: “It is thought wiser that Miss Booth should come another day.” . ■ , . Brigadier Smith, who is in charge ot General Booth, stated that it was considered inadvisable that Miss Eva should see her brother the same day as the deputation. “That is. surely enough. To bring such an ultimatum to a man in such a condition scarcely gives him a chance of recovery,” stated Brigadier Smith. “However, the General took the situation very calmly and prayed for the deputation. When it arrived, he listened carefullyHe later turned to Commissioner Cunningham,’ who is in charge of the new training garrison at Denmark Hill, and said: “Commission Hay will doubtless think you have taken a page out of the book at Melbourne and Sydney.’ ” Brigadier Smith added: “The General will come back with new inspiration.” Officers Report Their Impressions to Council SUGGESTED PROMOTION TO FIELD MARSHAL. Received Monday, 1 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 12. “ ‘God is our Tefuge and strength’ (Psalm 46) was the keynote of the proceedings as the High Council of the Salvation Army listened to reports of impressions of the officers who visited the General,” stated the official report of to-day’s assmbly at Sunbury. It added that the interview was of a most intimate nature. The General fully understood the purport of the visit and promised to announce his decision without delay. The Council adjourned until Tuesday morning, when the decision is expected. Dr. Herbert Hart, one of the oldest Salvationists, who was private secretary to the first General, drove up and asked to see the Council, but was refused admittance. He told interviewers he wanted to suggest that instead of being dismissed, the General be made Held Marshal. KffiLciftney of Army of World Interest EMW- MINORITY SUPPORTS GENERAL. Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 11. The Morning Post, in an editorial, says General Booth may well feel that the continued efficiency of the Army is of such supreme interest that his best course is to avert a break in the Army’s. hitherto wonderful solidarity, however distressing it may be to his own feelings. Ho may find solace in the fact that to millions outside tho Army, it would seem a sheer calamity if its beneficent work and influence were weakened. An official of the Salvation Army told the Daily Chronicle that a rough canvass at Sunbury Court revealed it was most, unlikely that the General numbered more than ten or 12 supporters out of the 63 there. It requires only 16 votes to defeat the Council’s resolution,