SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1929, Page 7

SALVATION ARMY

“THE CLASH OF THE CYMBALS” (The secret history of the revolt, bv F. A. MACKENZIE.)

Mr F. A. Mackenzie tells for the first time the full story of the revolt in the Salvation Army which led to the overthrow of General Bramwell Booth. For nearly two score years Bramwell Booth was the second most honoured man in that great body. AY hen his father died he succeeded as General, with autocratic powers greater than any Pope, amid universal approval. Gradually his leading men, led by his own sister, Commander Evangeline Booth, and his brother-in-law Commissioner Frederick de la Tour BoothTucker, grandson of a Chairman of the East India Company, allied themselves against him. Bramwell Booth saw himself as the agent of Providence; In’s opponents saw themselves as champions of liberty against tyranny. Mr Mackenzie goes back to the days when .Mr Gladstone induced old General Booth to alter the constitution of his Army in a way that made this revolt possible. The hook is “secret” history in the most actual sense. A r ital documents are published that have never before seen the light, and eVents are detailed hitherto kept hidden. Mr F. A. Alnckenzie is best known to the world as a War Correspondent, and emerges here in a new light. His experiences in many countries gave him a profound respect for the work the Army is doing among the poor. AVhen the controversy arose, leading members of the Army on both sides came to him and’he published a plan of compromise which was adopted by the High Council, hut rejected by the General’s advisers. "Vivid, intensely personal, and touched throughout with actuality, this hp'ok casts fresli light on the most remarkable 'social movement of our age.