Opposed by a Salvationist

From Nashville Banner, Oct. 7th, 1899

A little incident occurred last night at the corner by the Tulane hotel that might have turned into a combat royal between two rival preachers of different religious sects.

For the past week or two Elder J. Urban Allred, of Lehi, Utah, an evangelist of the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, has been in the city and has been preaching in different localities, claiming to have obtained permission from the mayor to do so. He appears very much in earnest and really makes a very interesting talk, so that there never fails to be a good-sized crowd around him when he is speaking.

It seems that the local representatives of the Salvation Army have for some time resented the Mormon preacher's presence on the streets, and have on several occasions spoken against him.

Last night Elder Aldred was expounding the beauties of his faith in fluent and convincing tones to quite a good-sized gathering at the Tulane corner. He was eloquently describing the perpetual happiness to be gained through conversion to his faith, the bond of love and unity that existed in the far-reaching fraternity, and was correcting with vehemence "the common error" that polygamy is identical with Mormonism, when suddenly a squad of Salvation Army warriors marched down the street and took their places directly opposite the Mormon. They formed a circle, and in a moment the Elder's voice was drowned in the boom of the big "salvation" drum, the tinkle of tambourines and the strident voices of the squad, "singin' salvation."

Elder Allred was abashed for a moment, but soon regained his composure. He listened to the services the Salvationists conducted with much interest. One feature of these services was a talk by the captain, in which he attacked the Mormons. He said all manner of uncomplimentary things about the Elder and his brethren, calling them tramps and saying they had no right to preach.

When he had finished and the little detachment had filed away, the Mormon preacher again took the floor, or street, and spoke at length. He stated that he had the kindest feelings toward the Salvation Army and felt liberally toward any religion, believing it but fair that all representatives should have a chance to speak. If the Salvation Army had been in the habit of using that corner first he would in the future allow them to do so and would speak when they had finished, as he had permission from Prof. Hancock to do so.