SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY

GENERAL BOOTH’S REPLY DECLINES TO RETIRE. (United Press Association—By Electric Tel eg. ..ph—Copyright). LONDON, Jan. 16. The High Council of the Salvation Army adjourned without decision, after an all-day discussion of General Booth's reply to their request for his rotiremnt. “I have carefully and prayerfully considered the entire question. Much as in some respects I should welcome a complete rest and relief from responsibility, I feel 1 should he loss than a limn, lot alone the lender of a great religions organisation, if I agreed to retire whim there is agitation to change the foundation on which it rests. Therefore 1 am compelled to refuse to do so.” Thus. General Booth set forth his position in a personal statement, in which he cites his incessant toil in the Army interests for ol years, and declares he has yet to hear where Higgins. whn has had full powers to act for him during his absence, has failed. “Legally, the High Council has absolutely no power, even to propose, let alone to make any changes in the constitution, hut t wrote to the Council suggesting appointing a special commission to consider what changes are desirable, f am informed my letter was scarcely considerd. I was asked to retire from office under what amounts to a threat of expulsion. The only ground for this request is that I am ill. There is not even the excuse that T am a burden on the Army’s funds, ns my personal needs are provided for from, a trust fund supplied by a personal friend. AYh.v should 1 retire? My leadership at the moment may not he what it was. hut what guarentee have T that T should he replaced hv one who would seek first and foremost to maintain the principles of the Salvation Army. lam responsible before God. Ur the we'l-he. ing of this great organisation, to which I have devoted my life.” HIGH COUNCIL RESUMES. ißcceived this day at 12.2 d. p.m.). LONDON, January 16. A number of legal experts arrived at Suiihurv for the resumption of the High Council. The count of heads suggests -"it) in favour of replacing General Booth and seven against.