The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1911-06-12
nov Scouts

inns country as originally Planned Dy
the naturalist, Ernest Seton Thomp-
son, was a splendid conception and
highly pralseworthy activity.
The impressionable growing youth
who is brought into contact with the
great "Out Of Doors" and instructed
in the science of wOodcraft; who Is
taught To respect and cherish his fur
red and feathered brothers of the
woods and fields, Is a better boy for
IL, and will make better man as
result OF his training.
When, however, the intent and plan
OF the order was changed through
the Vaccinations OF General Baden
Powell; when the distinctly and ayow
edly military spirit of the organiza-
ton was formulated, a step in retro
grade was taken, and the effort be-
came one of the most insidious and
ubiquitous that has ever DETAINED a
civilization. Clean, sturdy boys with
innately high ideals, are prostituted
to debasing, degrading purpose by
the study of efficiency in becoming
potential murderers of their fellows.
Desperate efforts had been made to
maintain the physical status of the
army and navy through decelving ad-
vertlsements posted on every vacant
billboard, on the walls of postoffices,
and government buildings, railroad
stations, and wherever young men
congregate. Alluring prospects were
held out. See the world without
cost" Rapid advance in pay" Lib
eral pensions" and all the other bait
calculated to inspire an ambitious
to do or die; and still the recruits
failed to come into the field.
Then the diabolical scheme was
concocted of educating the youth,
through military training and patrl-
otto appeal, to fit himself for a more
ready reception of the idea that a sol
der was a man 10 be looked up to
and respected, instead of despised for
the characteristics he exhibited in be-
ing willing for $13 month land
found" to shoulder a rifle and kill,
or be killed.
Worst phase of all, it was found by
a ministry, always ready to curry ia
yors in high quarters, that Boys
Clubs could be formed and drilled
as part of their Christian church
membership.
Anything more absurd and grotes-
que would be difficult to conceive
And yet the scheme worked. 1t Is
still working. Shame, that a self re-
speeding minister Of the gospel, who
should lose no opportunity in incul-
HptinD tho Gnfrit Of ntharltr nj
fraternity, should so debase himself
and his sacred office as to ofTiciate as
a drill master to lot of savages in
embryo.
At time when all the civilized
world is uniting in the endeavor to
drive into outer darkness the cruel
spirit of war; when tribunals and
councils all over the world are petit.
tioning and praying for universal dis
armament, it seems incredible That
the representatives of the loving
Christ should stulify their calling by
developing opposition to the very es-
sentials OF arbitration (Which the
best thought of the world deems nee
essary and expedient for the develop
ment and perfection of the race
Professor William James. shortly
before his death, wrote an eloquent
and manly defense of the spirit of
combat" He claimed that the splen-
did bravery, self sacrifice, implicit
obedience to the orders, and all that
have gone to make up the romance
glitter and glory of war, was some
thing which we could as a race, i'll
afford to lose.
The same spirit however, Professor
James pointed out, could be directed
into constructive efforts on behalf of
humanity, the draining of swamps,
digging of irrigation bitches, building
of roads, service with the fishing
fleets in the cruel winter months,
work on the SKY scrapers," and in
the mines, and all the difficult and ar
duous activities that could be en-
gagged in on behalf of the Common
Good"
The young man would benefit most
by his effort, as he would come back
to civilian life with a broader human
ism developed, more comprehensive
knowledge of interdependence with
his fellows
| wish sincerely that Mr.. Carnegie |
or some other philanthropist having
this subject at heart, would bring and
circulate a few million reprints of |
Professor James paper. 1t would |
serve to hasten the day when this |
Utopian dream of a great philosopher
will be an actually and war will be |
waged against our common enemies, !
cold, disease. starvation and the ele- |
ments so implacable in their reent- |
less inexorability.
Therefore, lay down your arms. Go |
back to your workmanship, your ma
ture study, your high conception of |
the fellowship of all created things |
Flee as you would a pestilence the |
unholy occupation Of fitting yourself |
yes to become scientific murderers. !
Come back to the ideal of real Chris
tiamty and magnanimity of spirit
And may all good be with you, in
these, your best endeavors,-- Ed
win f.. Bowers.