Evening journal., 1919-04-04

The Boy Scouts Of America have in
!, creased their field activities, and in
stead Of being merely interested in
Hoodcraft and hikes, are now working
i 3ut a seascouting movement. 10 was an
bounced by T. A. Greenhawk, local
scoutmasler today, owing 90 the in
Z crest manifested In nautical affairs
throughout the country, Occasioned by
he war, the National Council has Or
ganized a Seascout Department It is
expected In this way TO meet the de-
nands Of scouts who are interested in
he life Of a sailor, by giving them an
opportunity to receive special training
10 this work.
A circular letter, recently mailed to
lour hundred scout centers urging sea-
scouting brought forth liberal re-
gponse. Seascouts have multiplied by
he thousands. At the present rate OF
Increase. the enrolment by this time
iext year should total 10000 men and
boys. officials declare.
The Navy Department at Washington
1as announced itself definitely in favor
Df the new movement and promised its
!. .'co-operation. Following is part Of q
letter received from The Secretary Of
he Navy at Scout Headquarters in New
York City:
ut is obvious that the occupation Of
seamanship and life on the water pre-
sent quite as favorable opportunities
Tor learning and practicing the so0ut
virtues as do the occupations Of wood
sraft and Of the land scouts generally;
md there are, besides, a large number
f boys to whose Imagination the call
" the sea appeals with even greater
sharm than that Of the woods.
"The department Is in fun accord
With the purpose Of this movement and
fesires to assist. The knowledge Of sea-
= nanship, navigation, pilolage, boats, and
Jeafaring and naval life thus acquired,
besides benefting the Individual, will
spread a wholesome understanding
which will be generally helpful.
Commanders in chief, division com
nanders. commanding officers Of ships.
1 and commandants Of navy yards and
stations are accordingly authorized 20
cooperate in every way, sO>far as cir
: substances permit whenever an appli-
Isati0n bearing the approval Of the Ma
Ilonal Headquarters Of the Boy Scouts
: bf America is received from a duly ac-
credited representative Of the organiza-
, lion. Individual officers, also, both ac-
live and retired. are requested 70 lend
heir aid and encouragement whenever
opportunities offer"
The specific objective Of seascouting|
v,ated as endeavoring to create an in
. telligent interests and love for the sea
among the youths Of America. Il plans
10 make the ways Of the sea as mucl
A nE
been done already in the case OF the
main body Of scouts on the land IN Civ
Ing them knowledge Of the ways Of the
wild and whit it the scout spirit oi
Iervice.
The United States Navy has been
taken as the guide and inspiration for
the seascouts. They announce, how
ever. that they viii use no naval titles.
naval uniforms, or anything that might
tend to confuse members Of the organ
lzation with enlisted men and officers
Of the navy. Scout oficials also declare
that they do not wish the new organ
ization confused with the various bona
flde nautical schools throughout the
oountry-eiiher state or National.
In a statement issued from Scout
Headquarters. the status Of the move
ment is given as follows:
1--WE wish rather to be taken at our
true standing, which Is that Of a civil
Ian organization Of men and boys. nom
partisan, non-poltical, and 100 per cent.
American, engaged In recreational sea-
manship. On these foundations, we
.hope to build a solid Seascout Division
OF the Boy Scouts Of America. practic-
Ing the well known Scout Law. striving