ORIGINAL CAUSE OF REFORM MOVEMENT IN SALVATION ARMY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6811, 15 January 1929, Page 7

ORIGINAL CAUSE OF REFORM MOVEMENT IN SALVATION ARMY

General’s Nepotism TOO BOLD ADVISER WHO WAS DISRATED BANK AND FILE BEAR IGNOMINY. Sun Cable. Received Monday, 7.25 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 13. Mr. F. A. MacKenzie, in an article in the Daily Nerws, reveals that the reform movement in the Salvation Army began two years ago, when Colonel Carpenter, then a prominent official at headquarters, Londoa thought it his duty respectfully to tell the General that the quick promotion of his own children was causing dissatisfaction. The General immediately relegated Col. Carpenter to a minor post in Mel bourne, which he had held 22 years previously and never saw him again but many commissioners and officials signed an album, paying tribute to and sympathising with Col Carpenter. This devotion to Col. Carpenter crystallised a vague discontent, from which the present movement has grown. One party desires a wider elective system, giving greater power to different sections, enabling local corps a say in the choice of their officers. Opponents .are of opinion that this would destroy the system of military diretion, quick decisions and action which make the Army efficient. The latest names which aTC being freely mentioned as possible to the Gcnoral are Commissioners Hay, of New Zealand, whose presidency of the Council has won him great credit, Lamb, Hurren, Higgins and Commander Evangeline Booth. The Daily Mail says 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. ‘ ‘We are dreading Self-denial Week on February 23, when we must appeal to the public. We dare not express our views, because we would be suspended and would lose our livelihood.” Tooth and Claw ANTI-BOOTH FACTION WILL FIGHT TO END LONDON, Jan. 13. Although the majority of the members of the High Council were absent from Sunbury, uniformed officers guarded the doors most closely during the week-end. The telephone authorities have been instructed to refuse all calls to General Booth’s cottage at Southwold. ’ Inquiries there elicited the information that General Booth does not intend making a statement until the High Council meets again. The "Daily Herald” states that two high officers have been summarily suspended by the anti-Booth party, and that disciplinary action will be taken against several more. "It is’apparent that the anti-Booth section will fight to the bitter end in the struggle for supremacy,” adds the lerald. General Will Not Resign WILL FIGHT DEPOSITION IN LAW COURTS. LONDON, Jan. 13. The "Daily Telegraph” stated that it is understood that the view in official Army circles is that General Booth will refuse to accept the High Council's ultimatum to resign. The ‘'Daily Chronicle’s” representative at Southwold definitely states that General Booth has written to the High Council expressing a firm resolve not to retire, though the reply contains the outline of a compromise. If tho High Council decides to depose him, the • General will fight the matter in the law courts. Support Prom Overseas GENERAL ADVISED TO STICK TO HIS GUNS. ■ Received Tuesday, 2 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 14. Hundreds of cablegrams and communications from Canada, New Zealand,' the United States and elsewhere were received at Southwold during the week-end, ' promising General Booth support. "Stick to your guns,” says one. "We are with you to the end,” reads another. Lieutenant-Colonel Muirhead sent a letter to members of the High Council saying, "British justice demands that even a criminal shall have a fair triaL Shall we be less just to our own General f It savours of a sacrifice of principle to indulge in personal dislikes, not ostensibly against the General but against the same person whom he is supposed to have named as his successor.”