The log cabin Democrat., 1914-04-16
|SCOUT MOVEMENT SWEEPING COUNTRY IS WORTH MUCH 10 BOYS ELEMENTS OF TRUE MANHOOD INCULCATED BY ORGAN
 IZATION.
BY C. H. POULSON,
Special Field Scout Commissioner
 Boy Scouts of America.

mendOuS success, none nave been so universally endorsed by religious, po- litical and civic bodies, and none have filled the boys ideal so perfectly, as the Scout movement.
 The spirit of the organization is sweeping across the country like the fiercest prairie fire. From every sec tion comes the cry for organization and leaders, until the national officials are almost distracted in their endeav- or to supply the demand.
 It means that progressive communi- ties realize, as never before, the great importance, yea, the real necessity, of preparing the boy to shoulder the vast problems and crises, that the future of this wonderful, advance nation, is going to place upon him.
 With the passing of the Indian, the pioneer scouts, the frontier strife and all the excitement. anxiety and dan gers attending the onward march of civilization, went the stimulant that made sterling men of the boys of those early days. It was these stirring times that taught the young pioneer initiative, prowess and loyalty; pre- pairing them to meet the contingencies that followed in the construction of the nation.
 As a result of the rugged outdoor life of the pioneers and scouts, to- gether with the conditions of the times, they became generous, hospita- ble, chivalrous, clean, robust, brave, reverent men. The paramount need of the times is real men, men of initia- tive, executive power, individuality and bulldog tenacity. It is essential, therefore, that we commence right now to prepare our boys for the great future Let us give them the prepara- tion we were not privileged to enjoy.
 The Scout movement offers an incen- tive to the boy of today to be up and doing, and pattern after the pioneer scouts in their clean, hardy honest outdoor life; practicing woodcraft and doing things worth while in prep aration for life's future battles. Not only physically, but intellectually and spiritually.
 Activity is the keynote of the Scout movement, Be prapared," it's motto, and Do good turn da;iy," it's slo- gan.
 The boys are taught swimming knot- tying, observation, pathfinding, first aid to the injured, conservation, cooking, map making, signaling, care of animals, boating, artificial respira- ton, mental games, archery, astrology, srarring, care of camp, fencing, geol- ogy, nature study, correct manners and general games tending to develop the initiative and physique. Each of tl4sc features are capable of iliimiCa- bic expansion. Militarism is not ad- vocated, as peace scouting is t'le prln- icple underlying the whole scheme.
 The boys are taken upon Liking bi- cycle and boat trips to other towns, meeting with strangers and soon lrarning to conduct themselves correct " and easily. These trips try their nette and accomplish great good. It is these trips that affords the leader 1 golden opportunities for shaping the boys character.
 The Scout movement is no longer an experiment, it has stood the test and met with unprecedented success. Churches, schools and civic organiza- tions have found this a practical phi lanthropy and an attractive feature in their work.
 Governor Lee Cruce, Oklahoma, says of the Scout movement:
 q send greetings to the Boy Scouts of America. The substantial citizen ship of this young state endorses your movement, and the work being done in Oklahoma is proof positive, that the purpose underlying this organization is correct. The work being accom- 1 plished is a desirable one. The good effects of the movement will be felt acutely in the higher type of manhood when boys who now compose the or ganizations take upon themselves re responsibilities of mature citizenship" Governor L. E. Hale, Louisiana, adds the following;
 "Please convey to the Boy Scouts of America the greeting of the people of l Louisiana and best wishes for the con-