THE BOOTH FAMILY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3912, 28 February 1929, Page 3

THE BOOTH FAMILY.

GENERAL AND SISTER. ——— * INTERVIEW REFUSED. London, February 25. “Although you refused my repeated requests to see Brainwell, now that the stretch of three thousand miles of sea is before me, with all the uncertainties time brings, I cannot refrain from another plea, which surely you will not deny,” wrote Commander Evangeline Booth, addressing the General’s wife. The correspondence was published on the eve of Evangeline’s return to America. She adds: “Whether Brainwell is worse or better, whether he is conscious or unconscious, whether he is willing or unwilling to see me, his serious condition of health, coupled with our ilesh-and-blood relationship, and iny heart’s unfaltering love —this is •my indisputable claim. If he recovers I am confident that he will be pleased that I did not go home without a few words together. If he does not recover, how can he meet our fa4her and mother in Heaven, if he refused to see me, if only to kiss good-bye and pray together? If you are not consulting- Brainwell in the matter, I must ask you to consider the gravity of the responsibility you are assuming.” Mrs. Booth replied, enclosing a doctor’s letter of 22nd February, adding: “Dr. Milne is jmost emphatic that it is absolutely necessary to prevent any disquieting business or interviews. You must surely realise how painful an interview would be for Rramwell. He is in deep sorrow and greatly anxious concerning the welfare of our beloved Sab \ ation Army. For the time being, at any rate, you have attained your end. Will you not now leave him in peace?” Evangeline replied inquiring whether the General knew of her request, and whether Dr. Milne had seen her letter, adding: “It is only fair that Dr. Millie should know, because I am positively mystified as to how he could refer to my desire to put a kiss on my brother’s face as a business interview. I have not yet been told that ©ramwell lias refused to see me. Indeed, I have heard several times to the contrary. I leave- the matter in the hands of the Great Shepherd, Who unerringly protects His flock, and is also the Judge of all on earth.”