SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY

HIGH COUNCIL MEETS. SUGGESTION TO DEPOSE GENERAL. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Jan. 2. Eighty Salvation Army officers of j tlie rank of colonel and major, representing Rritnin, presented an mid to the High Council, welcoming the members from all parts of the woild to the first assembly of the council in I (he Army's history. The address concluded: “We are glad that, in harmony vvilli : lie <<>nJ stitnLion, means will be explore!] ami I plans devised by which, tiie \ruv will j ininicdiatciy enjoy the jier./’ial ami j vigorous leadership so necessary lor I the niaiiiteiiancc of its prog-ess j throughout the world.'’ It is stated that the address clearlv suggested Mini General Boili should ibe deposed. In the event of the lligl Council deciding -flint General Booth's illness unfits him for continuance of !.n duties, a successor will be clnrei. GENERAL BOOTH TO ATTEND COUNCIL. LONDON, Jan. 5. Surprises continue to occur in the Salvation Army crisis. The Daily Express understands tliat General Root'll is planning a dramatic appearance in person at the High Council. This decision naturally de ponds on his health. It is felt that a journey from Southwold will he a great strain hut his wile and daughter. who are at the head of the group supporting General Booth, have arranged for comfortable transport by motor. General Mouth is a nun-mem-ber of the High Council, and it is impossible for him to be present at the Conference hall.' Nevertheless he has a suite of roans at Sunlmry Court where the Council is lveing hold, and his presence would exert a powerfu i nil nence on its decision. Genera 1 Booth’s plan has greatly surprised the opposing Army groups, and opportunists are frankly surprised that his presence makes a decision mere difficult. One leader said that he could not deny the force of the General’s personality. Many councillors have known him for long years, and the sight of him would recall tender recollections. FRESH CRISIS BREWING. LONDON, Jan. 5. In the uieantime a fresh crisis is brewing. Some overseas members express the opinion that it is purely ot an English character, hut it is an impediment to Army work thousands of miles distant, and thus a possibility of a split in the British and international sections must now he reokoued with. Should the Council decide to retain General B'oth or accept liis nomination of a successor, it is understood that certain overseas delegates will consider breaking away from the main body. FURTHER INSIGHTS. (Received this day a I 8 a.in.) LONDON, January fi. In view of the sitting oi the Dig! Council of the Salvation Army al Sun bury on Tuesday, it is recalled thin Herbert Booth, one of the most bril limit sons of the first General, foresaw the present situation in 1002, when on 201 h May he wrote a letter to his 'father from Adelaide, asking: “ Aftei Mrmnwell, wlm then?”

“ The Council has not yet exercised ils powers,” lie wrote. “ but some da> these will be asserted. It will probably be a day of stress and storm. Then mv prediction will be remembered. The house will fall because it is not founded on fact but on contradiction.”

The “Sunday Express” narrates an incident known to few. Ilrainwell was in a state of great exultation as he drove off with his wife after the m stallation. She turned to him and said: “Whose name will you put in the envelope.” meaning the. sealed envelope in which the chief names his successor. Mis answer has never boon disclosed, hut the implication is unmisable that after seventeen years the fiuht has come not so much between parties as persons, and these persons are women.

QUESTION OK PROCEDURE. LONDON, dan. fi. A high .official of the Salvation Army explaining the procedure that would have to lie followed by Mic Council on Bth damiary. says the High Council can only be summoned if the Oencral resigns, or dies without nominating a successor, but the Council is at present summoned by a requisition deed, constituting the Council in 1 <>o-1. which provides that if a threefourths majority for removing the Genera! is not obtained, the ( ouncill automatically dissolves forthwith. If the requisite majority is secured the Council proceeds to elect a successor. Immediately this is dom* the ( ouncil is automatically dissolved. It is not empowered legally to deal with constitutional questions, hut can agree to make certain recommendations to the Genera!. A further deed, like the deed of 1904 might enable changes to he brought into elfect. but a strum legal opinion exists that any changes affecting the Army’s foundation deed of 1878, would require- to he sanctioned by Act of Parliament.