[English] RUSSIAN BOY SCOUTS. Widely Extended Movement.

RUSSIAN BOY SCOUTS.

Widely Extended Movement.

That the Boy Scout movement has achieved great popularity in Russia is evidenced by the following telegram, dated Aug. 10, from the St. Petersburg correspondent of "The Times":- The review of the Boy Scouts by the Tsar to-day was a delightful spectacle. The vast expanse of the Mars Field was chequered by the scarlet, green, white, and khaki uniforms of the tiny warriors, whose evolutions were watched with delight by immense crowds. The bright sunshine was tempered by a breeze.

As the Emperor and his suite rode down the lines, greeting each detachment, the boys answered in Russian soldier fashion:- "We wish good health to your Majesty." Each separate command then demonstrated its special aptitudes. To the accompaniment of their own bands they went through drills and gymnastic exercises. The Tashkent battalion produced some excellent fencers; the Odessa contingent, 1,000 strong, showed admirable training; there was a football team which kicked the ball among the Imperial suite, much to the Tsar's amusement; and small firemen climbed dummy houses. The march past of the 6,000 boys lasted 40 minutes. One little drummer was five years old. A tiny brigade had a tiny ambulance drawn by a donkey. The Tsar, who was hugely delighted, thanked each detachment, and after the review expressed his gratitude to the officers and schoolmasters.

The movement is growing rapidly. Russia will soon have 200,000 boy soldiers.

Source:

1. Page 8, "Hongkong Telegraph", 24th Day, 7th Month, 3rd Year of Xuan-tong

   • 24th Day, 7th Lunar Month, Xin-hai Year

   • Saturday, 16th September, 1911 Common Era