REFUSAL TO RESIGN.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17611, 16 January 1929, Page 8

REFUSAL TO RESIGN.

1 ; • 'general booth replies. J; /■■■;, _____ COUNCIL’S POWER QUESTIONED. ■■ f, i ’WOULD CHANGE BE BENEFICIAL? f'<Bjr Telegraph.—Press Assn- —Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn. —United service.) ■; (Received January 16, 1.55 p.m.) LONDON, January 15. The High Council of the Salvation '* Army adjourned without a decision, j after an all-day discussion of General ' Booth’s reply to their request for his retirement. - “I have carefully and prayerfully considered the entire question. ( Much as, in some respects, I should ; welcome complete rest and relief j from responsibility, I feel I should ? be less than a man, let alone a leader ; 5 of a great religious organisation, if 1 I agreed to retire when there is ari * agitation-to change the foundation on which it rests. Therefore I am * compelled to refuse to do so.” Thus General Booth sets forth -his in a-personal statement, in t which.he cites his incessant toil in the 2 Army’s interests for 54 years, and deJ dares he has yet to hear where Com- ■* mlssloner Higgins, who has had full f powers to act for him during his abLsence, has failed. He adds: “Legally the High Council has absolutely no power, even to propose, jj; let’alone make, any changes in the j 1 constitution; but I wrote to the ■> Council suggesting the appointment ?'■ of a special commission to consider what changes are desirable. I am « informed my letter was scarcely $ I considered. I was asked to retire Ji from office under what amounts to a 5; threat of expulsion. The only “ ground for this request is that I arn v ill. There is not even an excuse i that lam a burden on the Army's S funds;' as my personal needs are 1 provided for from a trust fund sup- ? plied by a personal friend. Vvhy ;■ should I.retire from rfiy leadership, j At the moment it may not-oe what u L W as, but what guarantee have l l : that I should be replaced by one who would seek first and foremost : to maintain the principles of the 1, Salvation Army? lam responsib.-. : before God fur the well-beJn;, A \ this great organisa.ion, to v\..mi i have devoted niy^L££^____ i.