The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-01-27
Department of State. 18Th Jan. 1914
FRoM THE .qLB.qNY .qRGU.8

IL.ZI a.
Since the invasion of the Niagara frontier, the
expectation has been INDUCED by many, that tbs
Governor of this state would proceed in person
tn the point of danger, and putting in requis uon
tie resources and military force of this state pun
ssh the enemy for his temerity, and put end to
his depredatsns and our fears at blow We we're
avn 1ng this number ourseve till inquiry we
learnt, that his exeellency had already ex reised
every particle of power vested in him for this pur
pose that his repeated recommendations TO the
leg sature 10 provide against the evils OF invasion,
bad been totally disregarded and consequently,
thst not 10 him, but to the otheG Lranebes OF the
emit ought 10 justice to DO aserbed all the
hiarne that exists on tbs head. To show that our
conclusions ara Just and warranted by truth, sub
rnit the following incontestible ftcts--
The 10th section Of the militia law, passed the
goth March, 1909, AUTHORISED major generals briga-
diers and commanding Offices of regiments, when,
and as often any invasion may hspPen, 10 order
OUT the militia under their command or any part
thereof, ia repe the INVASION
The 68th section gives the same power to the
eommauder-in-ehef with respect 10 the %vhoIs mi
Iitia. But there IS no authority given by the militia
law to provide rstons, quarters transportation or
any other mea&xbf sivng Eject to the naked su-
thority conferred nor any money appropriated
for n at purpose. he governor, is true, has the
disposition Of the arsenas-and it is well known,
that instructions were given to the keepers, at the
commence Of the war, to furnish arms &c. to
the NIL TIA, when called into sergice-the arsenals
in the west have been amply provided, and recni-
sition made tho militia TO double the number Of
the enemy's force, in time TO have protected BuHa
10
That the legislature and council Of appointme Mt
hive desigediy weakened the arm of government.
and prevented the militia officers from protecting
their respective districts from INVASION is evident
from the following facts.
I. In 1919, in time of peace 1890 dollars were ap
propristed to defray the incidental expences of az
mnstering the government for that year. In 1913,
when existed, the Appropriation reduced TO
1900 dollars, scarcely enough 10 pay postage of ofh
oial lie tiers.
2. Although militia law was reported and print
ed in 1919, and reported aud printed again in 1873
and stho all The statuteo of the state wire that
wear intended TO be revised yet tbs militia alone
vas neither amended or sed nor does there
now appear any militia law whatever in statute
book, See revised laws
.. The Council of Appointment declined
gauiBng the militia last winter, by negecti"g, and
indeed refusing, % make the ne dful military APP
PointmeBts, no appointments Of consequence having
been made ~ two years
In the speech Of the Governor 10 The legis'a
ture last year, page o. berec mmended clpssiog the
militia, t. relieve the poorer class FROM too
great share Of the burthen Of military duty, which
was entirely disr garded.
s. In 1912, he Recommended the raising of voun.
teers to supply the place Of militia, and to make
Engagements 20 provide for their beng provided with
clothing and suitable pay, which was also disregar-
5ed.
ON 1918, upon call for c0rfdentidi repor;
from his Excellebey, it was made to the assembly,
and the propriety Of organizing corps of 5000 vol
unteere, for the defence of the norher I'm aud west
ern froi tiers, recommended, q second time that
session and of providing for their component, &c.
(see TO- rnal8 Of assembly r. 4OB) which also dis
regard d, except that in violation Of their pledge q
ooniden G., the assembly immediately publisher the
confidential report 20 tie enemy, ami the fedora!
electionee ing committees imm edistoy issued hand
bills eeusuring him for recommending such large
expenditures for The defrres of tae front'frs.
IN fact although there is naked authority given
to militia .Bcers tn order or niHts 20 repel in
vrsioH, yet there isuo punishmsu rr~scrb 4 TO.
'..,iyersh disobedh nee OF their orders, nor any
means placed at their oohirou to bear the expenses