SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1929, Page 6

SALVATION ARMY

THE BOGUS CABLE. ON GENERAL’S BEHALF. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, January 15. Regarding the Salvation Army hoax, the bogus cablegram read as follows: “ Do you realise that the doctors say that the General will recover in six months ? The General has asked for time. The High Council’s reply is ii. demand if or his retirement. Is this fair, after his lifelong work? The official staff is able to carry on in his absence. There is growing indignation throughout Britain at the High Council’s action. If you desire that General Booth he given time, telegraph immediately to the Chief of Staff.” WANDERED FROM THE SUBJECT. LONDON, January 15. At the deputation to General Booth the General spoke of having road lliedocuments: He said lie had a great trust passed on to him .(from the founder'. Then turning to Commissioner Hay, he said, “The old General had a great tight for one-man control.” The General then wandered from the subject, and spoke of other questions; for example, the new building on Denmark Hill, London, asking if we had been there. We intimated we had not. He made some almost jocular remarks that Commissioner Brenglo (United States) would perhaps say it was too ecclesiastical ; and then to Commissioner Hay: “'What more is there to sav? I got the idea in Melbourne.” But this was said very slowly, the General still fingering the documents. GENERAL EXTREMELY FRAIL. DEPUTATION’S REPORT. LONDON. January 15. The deputation to General Booth reported to the High Council: “ r l lie General looked frail and extremely weak. His eyes had little animation, and his hands were 'feeble. It is evident that he has not much ability to turn and move in bed. His speech is with difficulty, hut coherent. His previously (thought out remarks could without confusion have been expressed in fifteen minutes, hut his power to do this is gone. He- probably will not recover until lie has had a little rest. The General seemed to remember us all. He spoke- tenderly to each, and said he realised what we were asking. He added: “ But I must have light- tsee what I must do, and how 1- must do it.” The General lingered the document, revealin ' his feeble-nerved, distressed hand. lie uncled:* 1 1 must have a day or two to think. Aftei a few further remarks, it was apparenthe had said as much as was able. His prayer was slow, and made with effort. Commissioner Hay also prayed. Me kissed tiie General’s hand, and blessed him ; and begged him lor his own sake to retire. We told Catherine Boot'’ that the Council would reach its adjudication vote by Monday, mid begged her to get the General’s signed answer by Monday morning, as she could not and must not expect the Council to wait.