Skeleton Army
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The Salvation Army was soemtimes disliked. Their enemies hired thugs to disrupt, any way they could, Salvation Army meetings and gatherings. Usual tactics used by this army were throwing rocks, rats, and tar, and physically assaulting members of The Salvation Army at these meetings.
The Start
In April 1884 the owner of a liquor shop in Worthing objected to Salvation Army criticism of alcohol. Black, sticky tar was put onto alley walls which damaged Salvation Army uniforms as they marched past. The Army continued to witness. A "Skeleton Army of 4,000 formed intending to disrupt open air meetings. The "Skeletons" recognized each other by various insignia. Captain Ada Smith lead those who faced the "Skeletons". The Skeletons threw eggs filled with blue paint at the “Sally Army” and many in the town approved. General Booth wanted police protection for the Salvation Army. The Home Secretary, Sir William Harcourt said it was outside his jurisdiction. Captain Ada Smith of the Salvation Army and her group were ordered to march on Sundays.
On Sunday 17th August 1884 the police, the Salvation Army and the Skeletons confronted each other. For an hour the police kept the peace. Then the Skeletons rioted. The area was filled with screaming men, brick dust and broken glass. The Salvationists returned to their, "Barracks" and the Skeletons tried to burn it down. The landlord, Mr George Head defended his property and the people there with a revolver wounding some Skeletons. He was charged at Court for this.
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