| "Others!" back to 'William Booth - Famous Words'
It is often said that, one year, early in the 1900s, when wireless telegraphy was in its infancy, William Booth sent a one word message, Others! by telegram to encourage his officers around the world. As with many other famous historic incidents, there is no documentary evidence, although we have searched far and wide, using our international contacts with other Heritage Centres and Salvation Army archives. We do know that Others! was Bramwell Booth's motto for the year 1895, and it was also the title of the Army's annual report for 1894-95. This motto appeared on printed cards around headquarters when Evangeline Booth was National Commander in the United States, and, in recent years, a special 'Others' award has been presented to a number of people in the USA in recognition of significant humanitarian service. This we know, but if you can help us to solve the mystery of the telegram, we would love to hear from you.
When the 'Empress of Ireland' went down with a hundred and thirty Salvation Army officers on board [29th May 1914], one hundred and nine officers were drowned, and not one body that was picked up had on a life-belt. The few survivors told how the Salvationists, finding there were not enough life-preservers for all, took off their own belts and strapped them upon even strong men, saying, "I can die better than you can;" and from the deck of that sinking boat they flung their battle-cry around the world - Others!
|