SALVATION ARMY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2531, 18 June 1909, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY.

GENERAL BOOTH’S BIRTHDAY,

The 80th birthday of the veteran founder of the Salvation Army was celebrated in London on April 22, by a large demonstration at the Albert Hall. General Booth occupied a- rostrum in front of the orchestra, and a great part of the evening was occupied by his reception of addresses' from many groups representing various phases of the Salvation Army’s history and operations. One group represented the Army’s early years, when, as Commissioner Cadman said, the officers and soldiers turned towns and cities upside down, and suffered stoning, bloodshed and imprisonment. The most picturesque group, however, consisted of 54 officers in national costume, bearing the flags of tho. countries where “the war” is being carried on. Commissioner Howard spoke for the group as a whole and a> brief address was also given by Brigadier Yamamuro,, chief secretary for Japan. The “Darkest England” social scheme, which now comprises 892 institutions with 2514 officers, was represented' by Oommissionqr Adelaide Cox, Commissioner Sturgess, and forty officers of each sex.

General Booth expressed his deep gratitude for the congratulations that lie had received nob only from his comrades that night, but from people in almost every part of tho world. He said that lie looked forward to meeting them at a similar gathering _ on his 85th, 90th, or, perhaps, even his 100th. birthday. He had had a good innings, and had been enabled by God’s grace tq fight a good fight, though no one was more conscious than he was that it had been full of imperfections. He had fought for no earthly ambitions;

the object of his life had been the honor of his God. , Ho had not changed his theology ; he stood almost exactly where he had at the beginning. The fight had Been successful in spite of failures at different places and times. Royalties, Presidents, Mayors, and others responsible) for the order and well-being of States and cities, now admitted that the Salvation Army had contributed to the real progress of the world. (Cheers.) During the evening General Booth received the following telegram) from the Prime Minister: —“I wish to join with those with you to-night in offering to you my hearty congratulations and best wishes.”