Booth Back

Old vexatious schisms in the Salvation Army seemed abruptly healed last week when Evangeline Cory Booth arrived in England to take up her duties as the Army's autocratic world general. As her ship docked Miss Booth received flowers and a letter from the two kinswomen who for years had fought her--the widow, Florence Eleanor, and the daughter, Catherine, of her late brother Bramwell. Later when 10,000 Salvationists gathered to greet their General in London's Albert Hall, not only were Niece Catherine and Sister-in-law Florence on the platform but also Commissioner Henry Mapp, who had been Evangeline Booth's chief rival for the generalship. Frail and well-meaning U. S. Ambassador Robert Worth Bingham, who saves his strength for just such an occasion, throbbed at Miss Booth: "She, her father and her family come from that rare and precious stuff of which saints and martyrs have been made. England has given much to my country. . . . But I doubt if they've ever given us a greater gift than in giving us this great woman, this great leader. Now with gratitude we give her back to you." Replied Miss Booth: "He gave me away in a masterly manner. That was the nearest thing to a wedding ceremony I've ever heard--or ever will. I'm coming back home the same girl I was when I left. I've even kept the same name, and I hope you appreciate it."

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