SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY

REVOLT FROM BOOTH REGIME. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Jan. IT Air F. A. Mackenzie, in an article in the “Daily News,” reveals that the reform movement in the Salvation Army liegan two years ago, when Colonel Carpenter, then a prominent official at Moadi|imrtors. in London, 1 bought it his duty respecl fully to tell General Booth that his quick promotion of his own children was causing dissatisfaction.

General Booth immediately relegated Colonel Carpenter to a minor post in Melbourne, which he had held twentytwo years previously. The Generali never saw him again, hut many Commissioners and officials signed an allium. paying a tribute to and sympathising with Colonel Carpenter. This devotion to Colonel Carpenter crystallised the vague discontent from which the present movement has grown. One party desires a wider elective system giving greater power to the different sections, and enabling local corps to have a say in the choice of the* officers.

The opponents of reform are of the opinion that this would destroy the system of military direction and quick decisions and actions, which make the Army efficient. The latest names freely mentioned as possible successors to General Booth are Commissioner Hay, of New Zealand, whose presidency of the High Council has won him great credit: Commissioners Lamb, Hurrcn, Higgins and Evangeline Booth. The Daily Mail says: Thousands of Salvationists are indignant at the High Council for keeping them ignorant of events until the disclosure of the General’s letter forced publicity. One East End woman officer complains that the rank a.nd, file are forced to hear the ignominy of the dispute. She odds: “We arc dreading Seif Denial Week on February 23rd. when wc must appeal to the public. We dare not express our views, because wo would be .suspended and thus would lose our livelihood.”

THE GENERAL’S INTENTIONS. THE LEGAL POSITION. (Received this day at 8.30. a.m.) LONDON, January 11. General Booth’s reply was completed last night. It is not a refusal to retire, says the “ Daily Mail,” lint a declaration that ho has no power to do so. The “ Daily News ” says it is a fiat refusal to retire. -Meanwhile dramatic developments arc promised when the High Council resumes to-inrorow, as the result, o' 1 doubt as to the legality of the Council’s decision to ask the General to retire. The “Daily Mail” says: “According to the Army’s deed, the Full Conn cil only possesses the power to depose a General on the ground ol unfitness to continue the leadership. A Salvationist official told Hie “Mail” that the General has not llm power in retire. II lie docs, it is 11iccli--4y probable he will he acting illegally. This fad will lie brought to the Council’s notice, prohahy forcing a reconsideration of the position afresh. The Council may refuse, whereupon the matter may he decided in the courts. HIGH COUNCIL’S INTENTIONS. (Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) LONDON. January 4. It is learned that General Booth s reply was taken to Sunbury by Commissioner Hay. Two King’s Counsellors whose opinion was taken before the summoning of the High Council reaffirmed the opinion that the Council is acting constitutionally. It is expected they will resume the debate to-morrow, which will he extended over two or three days. It, is stated the Council lias so Inr excluded General Booth’s legal advisor and also refused a request for a shorthand report of the proceedings. Commissioner Hay, asked for a ieply thereto, issued an official statement “The Council has not debated the question whether the General should he legally represented. In regard to a shorthand report, the President has no comment to make. The “ Daily Herald.” understands despite General Booth’s refusal to resign, which will he accompanied by an impersonal appeal for reconciliation, the High Council will proceed to depose him and appoint a successor. The most favoured candidates are Eva Pooth and Commissioner llurreii, an ardent reformist.