SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1929, Page 6

SALVATION ARMY

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). .LONDON* Jan. 7. A most important development on hho evo of the Salvation Army High Council meeting is the issue of a medical bulletin, which states that General Booth’s health is improving, and his mental condition was never impaired. Ho now will bo able to give decisions and advice on important matters, but it is desirable he should have as much quiet as possible. A statement has been published, apparently an inspired one, and it sets out that the groups insist it is utterly wrong. The High Council’s proceeding is being kept strictly secret at Sunbury. “The conclave is not solely tne concern of the Council of the Salvation Army and Booth family; it is the general public’s which throughout has contributed the bulk of the Army’s assets. Therefore, the hush-hush policy should be abandoned, and the discussion held openly in the presence of press representatives.” The statement points that the high councillors are in no wise representatives of the countries from which they came. All have been appointed and promoted by General Booth himself. They arc even forbidden to discuss plans of their own work 'with a subordinate. The statement says the high council is not empowered to substitute a real democratic authority in place of the one-man control of the Army’s destinies. The deed of tho constitution lays it down that the organisation must continue under the direction and control of one person. This is an undoubted evil, but it was accepted with open eyes by Salvationists from top to bottom. Extraordinary precautions are being taken to guard secrecy at Sunbury. Court "visitors are not allowed even to see tho council room. The police are instructed to guard the gate, and even tho grounds and house, which was formerly a country club, and the council will meet in a former ballroom, MRS BOOTH '.WILL BE PRESENT. LONDON, January 7. It is officially stated that General Booth will not attend the Council meeting. He is still .at Southwold. and though sufficiently strong to sil up, is in no way able to journey to the conference. On the other hand. Colonel Tucker is still doubtful. He says:—“ The General is the sort of man that if he makes up his mind to attend, he will, at all costs.” Mrs Booth, herself a Commissioner, will, in any case, lead in the defence of her husband.

INTELLECT UNIMPAIRED. DOCTORS’ BULLETIN. RUGBY, January 7. ~ On the eye-, of the .High Council of the Salvation Army meeting, a medical bulletin has been issued, signed by two doctors,-which says:— “ After having carefully examined General Booth on December JO last, we are of the opinion that the General is making satisfactory progress towards. recovery. LI is physical condition, though still poor, is gradually improving. His illness has iollnwed the expected course, and there is every reason to. believe that the General should be able to resume hi.s work within, six months. As there have boon rumotil's that tho General’s mental powers have been affected, we take this opportunity of stating that there never has been any question of mould incapacity. ,His intellect remains unimpaired. He is now well able to gi'.< decisions, and advise on important matters, but it is advisable that he should have as much quiet as possible, and not he burdened with unnecessary anxiety", as this will tend to retard rfccovery.” The signatories are Dr Weir, who ?= physician to the Prince of Wales, and Di- Milne, who lias been doctor in attendance on the General lor many years. The bulletin will be presented to tin I-ligh Council and must have .some important bearing on its decisions. COUNCIL , ADJOURNS. LONDON, .Tan. 8. Hie Salvation Army High Council adjourned until to-morrow. None of thp delegates wore, allowed to leave Sunbury. Court. The gates were/ locked at 7 o’clock. No one was admitted.