The Sun.
London, England, 1826-12-23 00:00:00

TION OF MILITIA OFFICERS.

HINTS FOR AMELIORATING THE CONDI-

gr. ED rronLit-- having been represented that the
Commander-in-Chief has under consideration various
improvements for the benefit of Officers in the Line,
permit me, through the medium of your respectable
Journal, to draw the attention of the Secretary of
State for the Home Department to Subalterns of Mi-
litia, to which I am induced, from my long and practi-
cal knowledge of the subject, supported by the most
enlightened opinions. The increasing deficiency of
Captains during the trainings is much to be lamented,
and the difficulty during the war to procure qualified
persons for that rank was likewise much felt, and pro-
duced a deviation from the Militia Laws, granting a
dispensing power to Lord Lieutenants upon the clause
relating to property : but subalterns so promoted for-
feit the peace allowance : this, however, creates a pre-
cedent for its further amelioration, by enabling with
private Gentlemen, Lieutenants to be eligible for that
station, without endangering the disembodied pay.
Such a popular and beneficial measure would procure
experienced Officers for the vacant Companies, now
liable to be supplied by both unqualified and undis-
ciplined civilians, and rescind the anomaly of preclud-
ing preferment, however desirable, except by a great
pecuniary sacrifice ; nor would its adoption in the
slightest degree affect the revenue. Another essential
improvement would be granting the Brevet rank of
Captain to Senior Lieutenants, and if of 21 years
standing, serving in the war, and holding no other
regimental appointment, an encreased shilling per day,
peace allowance, and sixpence ditto when called out ;
and to all Subalterns of a similar standing and service,
Ste. sixpence per diem, disembodied pay, leaving to ma-
turer observation the propriety of its extension to ac-
tual duty. The expellee attending such improvement,
may be estimated under 3,000/. per annum, a sum too
trivial to be placed in competition with its advantages.
There is a further subject of some importance, that
of the advancing age and infirmities of subalterns, inca-
pacitated from service, thereby adding to the duty of
others, to remedy which and render the Militia more
effective it might be adopted, that such gentlemen.
after attaining the age of 60 or under, be permitted to
retire upon peace establishment, if entitled by service
in the war, upon certificates from Colonels, and the
Medical staff declaring such incapability, which would
be unattended with expellee and the advantage of
Regiments being completed with efficient officers, and
removing the embarrassment of the Military authori-
ties, who are now induced, from motives of humanity,
to retuni them upon the sick list instead of unfit for
service. An admission of exchange through the re-
commendation of commanders, and by preferment upon
the approval of Lord Lieutenants, with a continuation
of the Militia allowance, would be a most judicious
arrangement, tending to the residence of officers in the
counties where their families and interests are located,
instead of living in direct opposite parts of the British
Isles, benefice' in case of emergency for assembling,
increase the attendance upon trainings, remove the
impropriety of obtaining leave under plea of indispo-
sition, or other causes to prevent travelling charges,
great distances, and also contribute to the unanimity
of corps and the national expenditure by Commission
Stamps. Other arguments might be adduced, but I
conceive the foregoing amply sufficient to insure atten-
tion, and appreciate the subject : while I have as con-
sistently as possible refrained from trespassing upon the
policy or spirit of the Militia Laws, or the patronage
of the Lieutenancy, whose powers would be rather ex-
tended than abridged by these regulatiens being effected.
I remain, Sir, respectfully,
Your very obedient servant,
Southampton. HENRY STANTON.