The Boy Scout Movement Again by S. B. Horton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 13, 1916

The Boy Scout Movement Again

By S. B. Horton

S. B. HORTON

IN THE REVIEW AND HERALD of May 21, 1914, an article appeared in reference to the Boy Scout Movement, in which it was said, among other things:—

“Furthermore, the Boy Scout Movement tends in the direction of developing the spirit of militarism; and who does not know that the spirit of militarism is a barrier and a constant menace to the development of peace and the furtherance of the golden-rule doctrine? Boys with a military training are certain to long for an opportunity to show their valor upon the battle field sooner or later, and it should be remembered that the American Republic was reared upon the fundamental principles of antimilitarism.”

In justification of the prediction then made, it will be interesting to know something about the present activities in the Boy Scout Movement. In the New York Times of December 13 appears an article under the title “Sees in Boy Scouts an Asset to Nation.” The most of the article consists of a letter from former-President Roosevelt, addressed to Mr. James E. West, Chief Scout Executive, B. S. A., New York City, from which we quote in part:—

“I wish you all success in the effort to raise $200,000 for the Boy Scouts of America. I would have hesitated to do this if events had not made clear that the Boy Scouts must ‘be prepared,’ and are being prepared, in such fashion as to fit them not only to be good citizens in time of peace, but ready for supplementary military training which shall make them able to render efficient service to the nation in time of war.”

In the REVIEW AND HERALD of July 9, 1914, appeared an article under the title “Train Young America to Shoot,” in which an address prepared by Secretary of War Garrison on the subject of war preparation in connection with the educational institutions was referred to. The closing paragraph of this article is as follows:—

“When the public schools shall be required (as is hoped for by church-and-state devotees) to teach Christianity as part of its curriculum, and adopt the rifle-practice policy, then will the people witness a spectacle of incongruous character. This possibility should serve as a warning to parents who have children to prepare for the future. Shall they be prepared for the kingdoms of this world, or for the everlasting kingdom?”

In the light of present circumstances, when the world stands aghast at the terrible war now on in Europe, the question of our relationship to God and his great movement in the earth today should become one of all-absorbing importance.

It may be added also in concluding, that Mr. Thompson Seton, one of the founders of the Boy Scout Movement, has withdrawn from it because of its tendency in the direction of militarism.