The "General's'Birthday.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3265, 25 July 1889, Page 2

The "General's' Birthday.

" General" Booth is oue of those moinvho havo very dour ideas on the subject,of combining business with sentiment. On Wednesd&*pk April 10, the gallant commander' 1 * tho Red-Jersoyites completed his COth birthday, and in honor of the occasion, a big meeting, or parade, whatever bo its proper designation, was summoned at the Clapton Congress Hall. The warriors and warrioresses of the Army mustered strongly in full fig, and -proved their devotion to tin cause beyonoFall question by the exemplary patfcuce with which they .listened to.their oomnmnder's loiig and utterly uninteresting account of his forty-five years'service in the field," But the wily General was. not vgoing to be content with such cheap evidences of their affection. Contrary to tho rulo which genorally prevails on Buoh feto days, Mr Booth sent out .birthday cards,, instead of, receiving them. Biit-j onv each, card were inscribed these words:-" I desirs in all affection to offer you the sum of £-s.-d,, to be spent in whatover department qf.the.warypii may wish." • In addition to'this-particularly neat •• hint to liberality, the' General adds tl}e customary good wishes, apprehensive that they might'' otherwise be forgotten. What the net result of this device has been is not yet known, but the General really deserves a good haul for his ingenuity.