THE SALVATION ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1543, 10 August 1886, Page 3

THE SALVATION ARMY.

in International Congress of the members of this Army from the various parts of the world—which extended over a week—began at. the latter end of May last at Exeter Hall, under the presidency of General Boeth, who was supported by all the members of his family. The hall wss crowded. The General said that in 1882 there were only 320 corps aud 766 officers, now there were 1552 corps and 3602 officers. In 1882 ihey held 6222 services weekly, or 323,000 a year, but. these figures had now advanced to 28,200 and 1,466,400, respectively. ' The newspaper of the Army was printed in 19 different languages, and the Salvation banner waved in 19 different countries and colonies.. Testimonials were given by representatives of the Army from many parts of the world as to the good work it was carrying oh, and the proceedings were of a very enthusiastic and congratulatory kind throughout, the Salvationists from abroad receiving a cordial welcome, A remarkable demonstration of the Army, in connection with the Congress, was witnessed in Hackney by many thousand spectators. A “ grand triumphal proces. sion,” as it was called, was the main feature of the demonstration, and it was as remarkable in its composition as it was long in extent. To use the phraseology of the official programme, “the ranks comprised 5000 troops of the Army of Jehovah, gathered from ill parts of the earth, on horse and on foot, with 30 brass bands, brakes and chariots, representatives of most of the nations of the earth, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, China, Australia, Italy, La M irechale Booth and French force, India, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, the United States battalion on war steeds,” &c. Each nationality bad its brake or series of conveyances, and the occupants, appeared in their native costumes, rendered still more brilliant by the profusion of sashes, collars, shields, and medals, presented an exceedingly picturesque appearauce. The bands played lively hymn tunes, and some of them betokened really good musical talent. The “chariots” attracted most otcention. The occupants of these were Mr Brain well Booth, Chief of Staff, snd Mrs BramweJl Booth, Comtnissiooers Railton and Tucker (from India), Misses E. M. and Eva Booth, Miss (Jharlesworlh, Marshal Booth (from Australia), while “ General ” Booth and Mrs Booth were in a spepial Ifiumphal car, escorted by several hun4 re ds of tqe < ‘ §ab ration Life Guards in heavy marching order,” and followed by the “Cavalry corps fort,” “The Integrity,” with its special occupants, Mr and Mrs Booth, were loudly cheered at intervals, and constantly bowed their acknowledgements to the immense crowd all along the line of route.