VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA. An organi zation for religious work in America formed in Nov York City in 1890. At that time Balling ton Booth (q.v.). Commander of the Ameriean Province of the Salvation Army, and his wife, not approving certain of the orders of General Booth for conducting operations in America, withdrew from the Army, and, with a few other officers, organized the Volunteers. The general aims and methods are the same as those of the Salvation Army. hut certain modifications were introduced supposed to he better adapted to conditions in America. The organization of the United States Army is taken as the !node], and the Commander-in-Chief is elected by the soldiers for nine years; lie is assisted and advised by a Grand Field Council composed of those commis sioned officers of and above the rank of major. The Volunteers observe the saenunents of Imp t ism and communion, and seek affiliation with the churches.
The organization in 11)1)3 included 6 regiments or districts, under the direction of as many sec tional officers and their wives, embracing 14 chartered companies, besides nearly 100 self supporting posts or societies, with outposts.
These societies, in 1902, raised $86,819 for their inailitenance and work, and attracted 3,920,893 to their indoor and outdoor meetings; while 30, 522 families were visited by their officers. Homes for the destitute and for workingmen are main tained in many of the larger cities, where 252, 7(i0 people were lodged (luring 1902, and 344,-150 persons were furnished meals at a nominal cost. There are houses of mercy for young women at Newark, N. .1., and Boston, Mass., where 2760 beds were furnished. In the homes for unpro tected and neglected children, 426 were provided for. In connection with the Volunteers' Prison Work leagues have been formed in 16 State prisons, embraeing 14,000 prisoners leading re formed lives, cf»Tespondence has been carried on with about 22,000 men, and homes designated as 'Hope Halls' have been established at Chicago and at. Flushing, N. Y. 7'he Volunteer:3' Gazette is published weekly in New York.