STIRRING THINGS UP

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 52, 25 November 1926, Page 18

STIRRING THINGS UP

SALVATION ARMY RALLIES ■IN FAR EAST

GENERAL BOOTH’S CAMPAIGN

“It has been one of the most interest’ing and striking campaigns of my life. JVhether regarded from the viewpoint of the governing classes, of the village population, or the Army itself, we have truly stirred things up and made people think about eternal matters.” The above remarks were made by .General Booth, leader of the Salvation Army when leaving Korea on November 10. In a special cablegram to the “War Cry” from Shimoneseki, Japan, dated November 15, Captain Alfred J. Gilliard gives some interesting particulars of thp General’s campaign in the Far . East. “Remarkable features of the Korean

Congress,” the message states, “included a meeting _ with two I thousand Japanese residents, pre- „ tided over by the Mayor of Seoul, who was supported by a large number of influential Japanese and Koreans. At a luncheon held in his honour, the General addressed one hundred and thirty English-speaking residents, thus by a revelation of the . Army’s inner spirit making staunch 'friends for the organisation. “Much time was spent with the officers, the General displaying great wisdom and loving patience as he defined the Army’s principles and declared Tjod’s power. The’ Congress was given an old-fashioned atmosphere by a few scuffles which received generous publicity. The reports, although somewhat .inaccurate, widely advertised the Genieral’s presence in Korea, where to-day .‘hatred for foreigners is being stirred up .by the agents of pernicious doctrines .'that have wrought ruin in other parts ’of the world. \ “During the week news was received of the interruption of Chinese rail- • way communications which meant that ' the General was sadly compelled to abandon his present visit to Peking, and on Saturday arrived again in Japan for another onslaught on sin in this hospitable Empire. . “Last night- the Shimonoseki Theatre was packed, a large proportion of the Congregation being totally ignorant of the salvation message. The General, inspired,' was able to deal with their ‘■'peculiar need. Among the eighty seekers were many who, being in darkness and earnestly seeking light, strove to grasp the ideas of God, sin and l° ve ‘ “The entire absence of seats m the Commerce Hall, Fukuoka, allowed for maximum congregations, which packed in on the floor mats. All the elements of early-day warfare, including -a band comprised of a cornet and drum, were in evidence. A large proportion of the crowd were strangers to the Army, and the handful of Salvationists were overwhelmed with the seekers which came 'forward. .Seventy captures represented a notable.inroad into the ignorance and ■ Sin of the people. . . “Lieut.-Commissioner Cnnrungham is arriving from Peking to-night after experiencing extraordinary travelling difficulties. The General and party sail for Shanghai next Tuesday.”