Page:Boys' Life Mar 1, 1911.djvu/22

22 ness life, in fact, stories that cover everything that boys are interested in.

The articles on the Boy Scout movement, scouting games and practices will be found of great value to all scouts and scoutmasters. Athletics will be taken care of in their respective seasons, particular attention being paid to rowing, swimming and running.

In a short time I shall commence the publication of a series of illustrated articles entitled, "From Weakness to Strength." In this series, issue by issue, in easily understood instructions, without the aid of expensive apparatus—as a matter of fact simply with a piece of clothes line and a broom handle—two things that any boy can find in his own home, any lad who can follow the instructions, can, in the space of a few short months, develop his frame until he shall become the envy and admiration of every other boy he knows.

I also have in mind, two other departments—stamps and amateur journalism. They will be conducted by experts upon these subjects.

Now, boys, I intend to make BOYS' LIFE the best and most popular boys' magazine in the country and to have it supreme in its field as the Popular Magazine is supreme among fiction magazines for adults.

In order to do this I need the assistance of every one of my readers. Show this number to your chums—tell them about the great stories and articles—urge them to get a copy and read it—when you are finished with your paper, pass it along to one of your friends who may not have seen it. These are a few of many ways by which you ran help me to put BOYS' LIFE at the top of the ladder.

My circulation manager tells me that he wants to secure bright boys and young men in every city in the country to secure subscriptions. A liberal commission will be paid on each subscription and it strikes me that this would be an easy way for Scoutmasters and Scouts to secure funds for equipment, camping expenses, etc.

If any of my readers want to take advantage of this chance to earn a little extra pocket money, fill out and mail the coupon which will be found on another page.

I want my readers to let me know what they think of this issue and to make suggestions for its improvement in the future.

I have a very nice note from Mr. Frank H. Hill, Superintendent of Schools in Westford, Acton, Littleton, Mass., in which he makes inquiries regarding the Boy Scout Movement which information I have forwarded, and congratulates me upon the publication of BOYS' LIFE. He says "it is an inspiration, and should be a great success." I sincerely thank Mr. Hill for his approval of our paper and trust to hear from him again.

Now, boys, I am always glad to hear from you about yourselves and your favorite papers and will answer by return mail if you enclose in your letter a stamped, addressed envelope. I want to [sic] you to consider me as a friend to whom you may write when in trouble or in search of information, and I will advise you to the best of my ability.

GEORGE S. BARTON, Your Editor.



HE acquisition of California by the United States compelled the government to open overland routes to the Pacific territory, and to protect them with troops from the hordes of surrounding Indians, who at that time were a source of constant terror in the west.

In this connection an amusing story is told—the hero of which was Major Knowall, a martinet of a peculiarly severe pattern.

In July, 1856, the first section of the annual supply-wagon train arrived at a certain fort and delivered a light mountain howitzer field-gun, sent out by the ordnance department for trial. All were anxious, of course, to see the new implement which promised to increase their resources in mountain warfare against the Indians.

Imbued with a sense of his responsibility in the premises, Major Knowall had the gun and equipment unpacked in his back yard, and spent the rest of the day personally inspecting it.

First the Major extolled the advantage the new gun would give troops in active service against their savage foes, because, unlike ordinary artillery, it could be transported over rough ground, and always be ready for action.