Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-26


TWO subjects Of great Importance have
been considerably the Legislature now in
session. The first relates to slaves, the
second to the public guard. AS the last of
these proceeds from the first, 1T seems to be
proper to consider them 1T the same time,
and in such a manner that the Legislative
proceedings concerning the one may not
countcract the true policy which relates to
the other. According to this general Opt
MON and with all the Difference which is
due to the representatives of an indepen-
dent and enlightened people, / shall now
submit, as well to their notice as to that of
their constituents, the outline and general
reasons for important and radical imova-
lions The results of which may be read-
ly anticipated.
The company of guards, considering the
manner in which it is organized, AMI the
materials of which it is composed, does not
afford that satisfaction which was anticipate
ed when it was established. The pay and
emolulnents are small: The duty is severe
an6 uuceasing, and there is no general pre-
caution required, as to the responsibility of
the soldier. From this defect, individuals
Of Rad habits and vicious inclinations have
been frequently enlisted, who have, either
poisoned the minds of others, or by their
own misconduct excited general disres-
causes, there does not exist such feeling
of regard and reciprocal confidence be-
tween the soldier and the citizen. which is
calculated to render the service honorable
to the one, and useful to the other For
these purposes, have taken the liberty to
submit to public notice the following propo-
sitions:
The public guard might be rendered
useful to the community as n school for af-
fording the ruliments of military instruct
on, which might be disseminated to all
parts Of the state by the establishing of
wise rules, and in the following manner:
Let it be supposed, that the established
number of guards should be one hundred,
or one from each regiment, or if the plan
deserved SO much countenance, let there
be two or three, from each regiment. Let
no one be admitted, who was Younger than
1S or older than 25 years, and no one be al
lowed to serve more than three years. So
that the military knowledge acquired in
the service might be extended by con-
giant succession. Torendcr the corps not
les honorable than useful, no che to he adj
united without recommendation from res
pectabic authority of the county or regi-
n1cnt to which he might belong-each pri-
Vaeeto receive So much pay and such cloth
ing and rations from the public as tn afford
Inducements for young men of character,
pride and laudable ambition to enter into
the service.
II cases of dishGncrable, disobedent, or
rnsoldier-fikc conduct, the offenders to be
punished by martial law, and after receiv-
ing punishment, on after conviction of the
offence. even if the punishment should lie
RENTED, the offender to be expelled from
The corps.
proposition like this will lie opposed
from two causes, the first relates to the ge-
neral and just objection which exists a.
sainst an established military corps; the
second relates to the expense. Both Of
these objections deserve notice, and may
be removed.
With respect to the first, it is conceived
that the objection will he entirely obviated
by the successive routine provided for ii
the mode of establishment, whereby the
corps instead Of becoming dangerous to H.
berry, will become the instrument ofinstruc-
tcn. as well as the immediate safeguard o.
the public tranquility.
When young man enters into the ser.
vice he woHld anticipate such course Of
conduct as viii entitle him to an honorable
reception among his friends after the term
of service has expired. The knowledge
which he will acquire, If he deserves public
favor, will entitle him to promotion in the
TDUtla, ana IN case OF war, to an honorable
military appointment, according to his me-
rits
He will naturally anticipate the most ia
yorable consequences which can result
from proper line of conduct, and will be
therefore doubly excited, not only to avoid
blame, but likewise to entitle himself, at a
future day, to the advantages which such
conduct would entitle him to expect.
The next objection will relate to the ex-
pense. Unless this can be provided for in
the most satisfactory manner, it is not ex-
rected that the propositions already I'M
folded will meet with countenance. 1t is
for this reason that the following consequent
tal considerations are also respectfully
submitted to the notice of the legislature.
The benefits TO be derived from the es-
Enlistment Of military corps, cannot be
denied: Nor can it be pretended that, I'M
der the actual state Of society, some pro-
vision of that sort is not absolutely neces-
sarv.
And why absolutely necessary 1t is be-
cause the state of slavery which exists,
added to recent events and frequent a.
larms, impresses it upon the mind Of every
man Of reflection, that some etectual and
permanent means ought to be employed to
guard against actual danger as well as to