Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1811-03-29

Is the dIJalnUfcHt "a lEuSH,l CIl al error pffta
judgment, for which be can plead, in extern.
alton, the example ofsages, rendered immo,.
tai by their efforts to ameliorate the coud;.
ton of their fellow men.
In the year 1894 Isee Revised Code, pa~r
I2l the Militia laws were again revised; :.
gain was this section, which has given such
umbrage to- Mr.. Brent and his honorable
scribe continued and it is evident, that il
was particularly discussed by the Legislature.
as the exemption of '92 does not extend to Sc.
vcral classes OF persons who were exempt by
the law of 1885. Since the revision Of 1899.
the Militia Laws have undergone a variety Of
notifications, and unluckily for MIR. Brent
this section has ever remained unimpaired
Have not both branches of our Legislators
been almost unanimously democratic, since
parties have been formed? And is it not "a
tional to suppose, that this body Of men, who
stand foremost in the ranks of Republicanisnl
would not long ere this, have expunged from
our statute books this griey0us, ogpTesSics
section, had it been demonstrated to them to
be such /? Were it necessary to enter into an
elaborate detail Of the probable reasons, why
the wisdom of successive Legislatures progi-
ded, that those who were engaged in acquir-
ing an education should, for the time, be ex,
enhpt from the performance of Militia duty,
it were an easy task. ] will offer a few re-
marks on this subject; the good sense ofthose
| address will suggest many others-EGuca~
tion being the foundation OF our political and
civil happiness, it is desirable that in the at
tainment of it, there be opposed to it as few
obstacles as possible. The mind of youth.
when engaged in q variety of pursuits, is too
apt to be led astray from the real point and
the scenes OF vice and immortality which but
too frequently prevail at our masters, are,
in an eminent degree, calculated to corrupt
the morals of youth. The students at tho
Colleges and other Seminaries Of Learning
are, generally young men from various parts
Of the state who have no permanent resi-
dence in Toe places where these Seminaries
are fixed they continue at those places but
q short time and, as soon as they return to
their homes they become subject to the Mill
tia Laws, with all other public burthens, in
conmon with the rest of their fellow-citizens.
compel a man to muster where he had not
a permanent residence would certainly be-
unjust. It has ever been one of the promi-
rent articles in the creed of a republican, that
to foster ard encourage Seminaries OF Learn
ing and the study oftfe Sciences, is the surest
means Of promoting the cause of liberty and
to perpettate the blessings offfeedom. IN
all governments there mast he rulers, and
these rulers should not only be honest, but
wise.
To return to One of the Peopie."-To
serve his sinister purpose, he has Jefonsoayfu
matilated an important Article or the Bill az
Rights. He contends that the vote is ma Inn
bly, urconsSitutiona and a fragrant violation
Of our Bill Of Rights-which says " that no
man or set OF men shall be entitled to sena-
rate emoluments or privileges."-True it does
say so, but it says further, EXCEPT IN
CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC SERyI-
CES." Thfs important clause, has this no.
nest politician remembered to, forget to quote.
Admitting his quotation were correct. / ae-
knowledge that 1t were an infringement of
the Constitution to exempt any description
of persons (even a judge or a reverend divine,
from Militia duty, ana the object Of g One of
the People is, evidently, so to impress it on
the public mind.
Having provedincontestibly that Mr.. Brent
or his honorable secretary has endeavored to
mislead the public opinion by a false repre-
of a subject on record, l might per-
haps with great propriety close my remarks:
as | take it for granted, that he has utterly
disqualified himself from giving testimony in
the case, and that, consequently, his further
on this subject, will be disregarded
by every friend to truth. But, as the gen
tleman has opened his battery against MIR.
Wolfe, it is bat right that the subject should
be fairly discussed, and | will proceed fur
ther.-Fhe gentleman, II mean & One of the
People,") urges, the refusal Of the Senate to
Strike out the ~sxempting section, as conclu-
sive evidence Off disposition in that body
" to foster and cherish that aristocratical piin-
ciple, which las proved the final ruin and
downfall of all Republics Some politicians
have a happy knack of bending their opinions
to circumstances. On any other occasion, it
would ncrhans offend Ar Rrnnt To 10 L.