Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-10-30
AN OLD INDIAN CUSTOM
FOR MAINTAINING ORDER
DR.. Charles A. Eastman Ex-
plains Plan Which He Has
Used Effectively in Scout
Camps.

DR.. Charles A. Eastman, who has
been especially helpful during the past
season at various Scout camps, con-
tributes the following account of his
Dog Scout" merit system for main-
tanning order. This system is based on
an old Indian custom. 1t IS hoped that
many Scoutmasters will find it SUCCESS
tive and helpful:
In the old days the Indians had a
police system only under one condition.
| and that was when a large number
came together at mid summer gath-
enirg for short time. Then each
clan selected its finest brave, who
must be an approved and tried man,
both physically and morally. This
body of picked men was entrusted with
the order and discipline of the camp.
They are called Dog Soldiers" from
the most faithful and obedient animal.
1t is their duty to see that no man
infringes upon another's rights, or
breaks any of the customs of the
social order. These men alone can ap-
proach an offender, more particularly
a member of the same clan to which
the Dog Soldier" belongs, and ask
him to report to the council, in order
ment of being arrested, but may come
unattended. IT, however, the man re-
fuses to come, he may be brought in
by number of Dog Soldiers, where
he is judged by the council and pun
ished according to their customs. Thus
order is kept, and no slur or accusa-
ton of prejudice is made against the
Dog Soldiers, who never seek the po-
81 tEs. t. .:+L
their knowledge. One who is abso-
lutely true to his duty wears there
after single feather, the same as any
feather earned in battle. He cannot
do this If he has been in any way un-
faithful to his trust.
Such an Indian encampment, lasting
but short time, may be considered
prototype of our Boy Scout camp.
/ will suggest that early in the camp,
say. at the end of the first week, d
certain number of the most reliable
| boys be selected by the director and
his staff. If any boy applied for the
position, he would not be considered.
These boys should wear a particular
feather and be known as keepers Of
order in the camp. This means that
whenever they know of any boy in
fringing important rules or breaking
his Scout oath he should be politely
requested to report at headquarters,
and IL he does not do so he may be
called upon by several Dog Scouts and
brought in. 1t may be a matter OF
opinion as to what class of offensea
should be included. In my case / in
cluded all impure and profane lang
uage. as well as serious disorder or
disobedience TO rules.
1 found the system to work well. At
first some of the more troublesome
boys were inclined to laugh at my Dog
Scouts as "squealers," etc, but soon
Strengthened that out, explaining that
an unpleasant duty for the benefit of
all. Not one boy was brought in, but
all asked to report to me did So some
of them in tears 1 knew practically
all that went on, and 1t had good
effect on the camp. All the Dog
Scouts did well with the exception OF
one who was appointed by an assistant
in my absence on the ground that the
responsibility would be good for him,
and he failed to measure up to It..
Only the best boys should be chosen.
The feather that used Is similar to-
an eagles and is notched near the tip.
1t is worn constantly in the hat or
headband. / think those boys who
have made good in this position should
be given permission to wear this
feather thereafter at any Scout camp.