Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-14

The National Council of Boy Scouts of
America is in session today in Wash
ington. The Boy Scouts of America and
the Boy Scouts of England constitute one
of the most interesting social upligft
movements on record and are mighty
factors in the development of boy life
and character. The two organizations
are practically identical in objects and
methods. closely affiliated through the
mutual friendship and understanding of
their founders. Sir Robert S. S. Baden
Powell in England and Ernest Thompson
Seton i'm America.
To the latter and to this country be-
longs the honor of the basic idea and the
earlier organization. About the year 1890
Mr. Thompson Seton conceived the notion
that the gang spirit SO marked among
boys between the ages of twelve and
twenty-one, and which so frequently leads
to fighting and predatory habits. could be
utilized for mutual service and uplift. So
he proceeded to organize tribes of
Seton or Woodcraft Indians with signs,
passwords and code of cooluct and
morals The object he had in view was
to seize the boys character in it's red-hot
stage of enthusiasm for physical activity.
and to weld il into the right shape and
encourage and develop its individuality SO
that the boy would become a good man
and a valuable citizen. The Seton In
dams increased Justify n numbers until
there were upward of a hundred thou
sand boys and youths enrolled
x !:
In 1907 a gallant English soldier and
general. the justly popular Sir Robert
3 a d :
American Movement Powell. who
Outstripped in England. a mad se rea ne
the hearts of his countrymen by his
heroic defense of Ladysmith during the
Boer war. founded the Boy Scouts OF
England. based upon and cooperating
with Mr.. Stetson's idea. Henceforth the
Two men worked in unison on either side
OF the Atlantic. But the younger move
ment far outstrpped its American cousin
In growth and popularity. At TINS writ
ing there are half a million English boys
enrolled. and another large contingent in
Canada, where the idea was seized on
with equal s.vidity.
The scheme OF the boy scouts lays
special emphasis on outdoor recreation
and self-training Scouts must be be
tween the ages of twelve and eighteen.
Upon enlis,ing they are classeI III three
ratings, tenderfoot or probationary, sec
ond class and first class, for each of
which certain definite practical tests
have to be passed to gain the rank and
its insignia. Each group of six or
eight scouts forms a patrol, with leader
and corporal. Three or more patrols
form a troop, which is headed by
scout master. usually a young man
oder than the lads in the troop. There
are also local committees of scout mas
tiers and others interested in work
among boys city and state councils, and
the national president, the chief scout
As nearly possible the boys wear a
comfortable. free-and-eaSy uniform of
flannel shirt. short khaki trousers, with
stockings turned down at the knee,
neckerchef of the patrol colors, a khaki
haversack. all topped off with fiat
brimmed felt hat. The only weapon
carried is a light staff-no guns or pis-
tols-and on,y a pocket knife. AS a
matter of fact. the uniform is 50
slight as to present no bar to enlist
ment in the boy scouts. and especial
stress l. laid upon the freedom conferred
ny this free-and-eaSy dress The funda-
mental principles to which the boy
scouts adhere included i'll their
pledge and their law. the candidate
gives his word of honor TO do his duty