Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-01-06

| FCVCSLttONS /OT tNc CSEdOiSHDe?tE or q
corhs TO ohcrate as military school
as sveH as a Public Gard.
THE organization of plan, or the SUBJ
mission of a proposition for imparting and
disseminating military knowledge to the
young men in different parts ofthe common
wealth, ought TO attract public notice, and
legislative patronage. 1t viii be difficult,
perhaps impossible, 70 propose any thing
likely to DC useful TO the community which
will not BIZ at once abandoned, because the
expense Of execution will deter even the
most popular and independent mind from
becoming al advocate.
The internal situation of this country,
proceeding from several causes, requires
the constant employment OF military
CORPS. That which for some time has ex-
istcd, has not given general satisfaction
And other measures will probably be there
fore adopted. At the time when this is
written, it is not foreseen what these mea-
sures viii be, and therefore the following
propositions may not be considered as hav-
ing any other relations or illusions than
those which are justified by their merits.
The apprehension which is entertained
that we shall be involved in a quarrel with
one or more of the belligerent nations OF
Europe, ought also to convince every one
to whom these things are famiiiar-that
military spirit ought TO be cxcited-and
that, military knowledge ought to be gene
rally impaired.
! All politicians and public observers adj.
NIT that corps upon a military establish
ment ought to be constantly employed at
Rchmond-and rs it is equally notorious
that this proceeds from alarms which have
been frequently given in relation TO the
IL oil 4.
these su iects ought to be considered in a
more extended view-so that the public
service may be promoted, public tranquil
ty may be insured by innovations. which, if
properly supported, viii not fail to produce
beneficial results.
| For these purposes, the following propo-
sails are most respectfully submitted to the
notice OF the Legislature now in session.
| 10 establish corps of respectable Young
men, to be collected from every part Of the
state, 70 be instructed in the various duties
! of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and NJ
the same time, to discharge the duties on a
! public guard.
! The corps to consist of and TO be
composed of at least two from each regi-
ment of militia, TO be under the command
OF Commandant and other subordinate
officers OF inferior rank, according to the
Il
! private 20 receive, besides clothing and ra-
tons ten dollars a month
No private to be admitted into the corps
without recommendation from the court Of
the county, and the field officer of the rcgi-
ment OF militia TO which he belonged
No private TO be younger tVdn 10 years
or older than 25
No engagement to be for more than one
year, and no private to be permitted to re-
engage further than to make the entire SER
vice amount to three years
In case of an offence against military law,
or the established rules Of the corps, the
offender to be deprived of his military APP.
Parei and to be expelled, unless excused
by the governor.
Every private 20 serve alternately in the
infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
Every private to receive irssyIctions II
the duties Of his profession, i'll mathcma
tics, and in gunuery.
, At least 100 men to be ALWAYS stationed
at Richmond. The residue of the corps t
perform marches to different parts Of tn,
state according to the direction Of the chic
magistrate, and this species of service tob'
performed alternately
Every private who shall merit the an
probation OF the commander and chief ma
gistrate, shall receive written testimonial
to that effect.
e When the Service expires, vacancies {
e be supplied by other young men from TIN
y different regiments, to be recommended i
d the same manner--and IF the vacancie
o shall not be Immediately filed from tn
e respective regiments, they may in that Gas
|. be filed by appointment, TO be made by tn
c governor and council from the voluntar
S applications of those who may offer thei
Z service.
n Volunteers who may desire to learn tn
k military exercise, not exceeding one hur
q dred at time, may be received, bnt for n
n term less than three months or lonse
l. than six--and while in service shall II
d ccive the usual rations.
s. i will not be pretended, that these pr,
e positions are the best which the su5ie
, merits they are submitted in the order