Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1830-01-12

Yeomanry, capable of indicating their own
rights, or aiding in the support of the rights
OF others, cannot but be referred to, when
estimating the relative weight of different
sections Of the Union; and if ever mad
scheme of division and dsmemberment shall
be seriously contemplated, the power which
may defeat it, by resistance, or in submit
ting leave the means of selfprotection
with discovered part, will not fail to be
respected.
A proposition, which sometimes has been
made, to dispense by Law, with all military
parade, instead of amending the system,
would utterly destroy the institution. Organ
ization could no longer be maintained. No
one would be found to accept an Office OF
merely nominal command, mockery Of title,
in parchment authority over Muster Roll
of names only. Besides, the paramount
laws of the United States, on this subject,
would be violated, or evaded, in all their pro-
visions, by the effects of such state legisla-
ton. The arrangement of the militia, re-
CURED by these statutes, into divisions, and
distinctions ofminor corps, would soon be
destroyed, and the obligations of enrolment
and equipment, instruction in tactics, inspec-
tons, and returns, cease to be performed.
Without officers commissioned to every
grade of command, military order can never
be preserved, nor involuntary service COM
PEELED.
| The essential alterations, in accordance
with the laws of the United States, which
have occurred to me, as promising to equal
ize, IN the most satisfactory manner, the still
necessary burdens of militia service, and
remove the strongest objections to the pre-
sent system, are: to increase the penalties
tor neglect of duty to- such extent as bet
ter 10 enforce the obligati ons to its personal
performance in the rain Bands, by those
of whom it is required; to extend condi-
tional exemption to minors and enrolled
persons above the age of thirty and to re-
peal altogether the provision for the pay
ment of money as part of the condition of
exemption. This exaction operates with
great injustice, and has been fruitful source
of disaffection. While the sum required is,
in itself, no equivalent to the time and ex-
pense of military duty. and to the man of
wealth, is of little consideration, to the
poor man it often happen that the want of
money, at the prescribed period for its pay
ment, leaves no alternative to the obligation
of personal service.
The principles of these amendments, sim
pie in their explanation, but of important
consequences, in the details of their applica-
ton to the existing system, would render
necessary reorganization of the corps of
the Militia, by consolidating its present sub
divisions and charging their territorial linn
Its. In this manner, companies might be
! increased to efficient numbers, and many
snpernumerary and unnecessary officers dis
charged. There would then be greater dis
tinction given to command higher respon-
sibilities would be felt in its discharge, and
spirit and new energy infused into the
whole military body.
One provision more, above all others, is
demanded prohibition, under severe
penalties, to officers, to treat with ardent
spirits, on days of military duty, and to can
didates for Office to do this, either pending,
or after. an election. This latter practice
is, indeed, a species of bribery, and is at
tended with the most pernicious Influences.
1t occasions heavy and wasteful expense,
and has deferred many excellent men and
well qualified soldiers from accepting COM
missions, while, in some instances, it has in
duced to unworthy preferments to Office.
Most of the complaints against the institu-
ton, from its tendency to lead the young to
indulgence, and produce habits of dissipa-
ton, have their origin in the custom of
furnishing unnecessary and exciting re-
freshments, on publick occasions "a Gus
tom, which is no less subversive of military
subordination, than prejudicial to the NOR
ais of the community, and which true re-
gard for the welfare of the militia, equally
with respect for the peace, good order,
and happiness of Society, requires should
be effectually depressed.
The Reports made to the Executive by
the officers of the State Prison, show that
the Institution is, at length, brought into
that condition of improvement, and capaci-
ty for future management, which have been
anticipated with deep interest and solictude
by the Government and People of the Com
monwealth. The new Prison Building was
completed in October last, and the Convicts
were Immediately removed to the occupa-
ton of it. A more steady and strict disci-
pine was introduced, and the experiment
has commenced of the effect of entire soil
tude in confinement, by night, and silence
and constant inspection at labour, by day.
All communication by the convicts with
each other, and by the officers with them,
except for purposes of authority or instruc-
ton, is now prohibited. Intercourse by con-
versation or correspondence with friends, or
other persons, from without, is not permitted
They are no logger indulged in idleness or
relaxation in the yard. Both stint and over
stint are abolished, and incessant labour in
the hours for employment, is required. By
the erection and arrangements of new
cookery connected with the prison building,
the food of each individual is furnished to
him, separately, and he is required to eat it,
in the stiffness and solitude of his cell. No
moment of opportunity is afforded for ac-
quaintance or association. Thus the con-
victs are constantly kept either in entire Sc
clusion from each other, or under the vigil
liant watch of their officers. Their only al
tentative is from their prison house of cells
to the workshop, for labour, and from the
workshops, for refreshment, by food or sleep,
back to their cells again. Here no voice.
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