The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-02-22

/ As the writer finds himself not alone in the
sentiments lately expressed relative to tue
Militia System now existing in this State and
neIghboufhood, and as 10 one TO his knowl
edge has answered his queries, he will pro-
coed with his remarks on he subject, repeat
ing bis request 70 persons OF leisure and Inlor
nation to discuss the merits OF this important
question.
Before entering further on the subject the
writer disclaims all unfrieadlr feelings towards
any Militia Officer or Officers 10 the STATE
On the contrary the few gentlemen of this de-
scription with whom he is acquainted deserve
and possess bis friendship, esteem and respect;
but the system is subject distinct from the .Ac
tors IN It, and its merits and defects are fair
subject of public discussion.
! 1t is first observed that the subject of the
Militia has nothing to do with party politics ;
! 1t is not an undressing subject il concerns
US all. TO support il in its present state &C
casIons one of the greatest taxes, that al pres
ent burdens the community. No one is The
gamer by il either 10 morals, religion or prop
erty-as Its officers serve without pay hey
must be supposed 10 do it in part at least
from patriotic feelings. Ii would be injurng
them to suppose they would w sh on account OF
office 10 serve under the present order of things,
if the public good require change or to serve
at all, in the more active and aborious parts
OF Military duty, If future general disc ussion
OF The subject should discover to Us that il 10
highly expedent % dispense with this at least
this portion.
We have already stated and without fe a 7 of
contradiction that we are heavily taxed for a
purpose that adds not to our morals, religion
or property; and we might further add to any
ot the comforts of life. The end proposed is
national and individual security against for
eIgn Invasion; which object il will be endeayor-
ed TO be shewn has not been and we cannot
reasonably expect will be attained by it We
are at present at peace with all nations-we
know that no nation but the British have or are
likely TO have under any change OF circum-
stances the power if they should have the dis
position to invade US, and there is good rea-
son TO believe that the British government
whether less or more enlightened than those
OF other European nations. after their experI
ence OF attempting to invade US during the
late war, would not be so unwise as 10 repeat
such attempts. For them again to endeas or
| this would be much more stupid than were
their past attempts this not because Of
the power OF our Militia a. body Of soldiers
trained and prepared during peace, but be-
cause they and the rest of the world see that
The body ofthe people torn materials of which
good Soldiers can soon be made by few
good officers, or even self taught when occasion
requires; but il is believed they laugh as much
at the militia display of this country during
peace, as they respect The qualities we posses.
as nation for forming soldiers when exercis-
ed in time ofwar Here it may be asked, have
not The militia added much 10 the reputation
Of our arms in various quarters curing The late
war ?-Wilhout citing instances to the. con,
irary (Which might easily be done, we
readily answer that IN some instanAe.
bodies of men called militia, when strong
lily fortified, have done this-but TO tax,
one of The strongest instances of which th,
lcountry can boast--the battle Of New Orleans