GENERAL BOOTH AT 82.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1166, 17 June 1911, Page 9

GENERAL BOOTH AT 82.

DR. DRIVER'S WARNING. GREETINGS EROM EDITORS. "I have ups and downs,'' said General Booth on April 10, his 82nd birthday, "but on tho whole I should think I am stronger and better than I have been since the accident to my eye, and I am full of hope that I shall be able to havo the impediment on my remaining eye removed. I am more than ever in love with my work." At the same time, in view of tho fact that tho coining operation for cataract may fail, the General is already preparing for total blindness by feeling his way about his house blindfolded. In this brave spirit he enters his S3rd year. He intends it to bo a full one, for in addition, to-the Social Congress, he intends to visit Scandinavia, Denmark, and probably Finland and Russia. Later he will go to Canada, returning via the.States, whilo in Norember lie hopes to pay another visit to Germany.

His birthday brought the General a shower of loving messages. The Queen scut "sincere congratulations,',' and a wish ihat ho might . havo "health and strength to continue the work which you have so successfully carried on." A number of London editors sent messages to "Tho War Cry." Mr. A. G. Gardiner says, "He will take his_ place among tho most select group of those who havo laboured for humanity." Mr. Biumenfclrt (of "The Daily Express") says ho is "one of the big men of the era of big men." "He lias forced Christianity." says Mr. James Douglas, "to faco tho duty of rescuing its own dregs from damnation. His career has been utterly selfless, utterly ascetic, utterly singleminded."

A great birthday celebration was held in tho Clapton Congress Hall. .The General spoke for over an hour.