The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-09-25
I" ARMS, / SING ARMS ;"

Il = >@@~>'@
NJ On Tuesday last, the fourth reg.
iment under Ii. Col. Child, pavaded in
Bristol, for Inspection and Review. The
sun, as if in appreciation Of the martial
scene, shohe in unusual splendor, bring
ing one ofthe pleasantest days that we
have had for fortnight past though 4
bout noon he lavished his rays upon US
with such intensity as to be somewhat OPP
pressive (this by some, was attributed to
the bad behaviour fsome of the soldiers.
We had an opportunity of inhaling the
fragrance ofthe morning air, being warn
ed to appear at half past 6, precisely p
we had also an opportunity of viewing the
delightful scenery in the suburbs Of Bris-
tol, as also of shutting the breeze and
watching the rising sun, until we were
called on to the field about 8 O'Clock
After having banquetted on the aforesaid
dainties, we took up our march from the
place where we met, at 4nick, though
rather disordsriy pace,-(" Sonorous mot
al all the while blowing martial sound'')
and soon arrived at the pleasant, and spa
cious common Of Bristol, where it was ex-
pected there would be military display,
which would be a conclusive evidence of
the supe'io,ity ofthe Rhode Island Militia
system, over any other that ever was in
vented Arrived on the field ,and there
was luarvellcusly strange proceeding rof
promotion Sergeant was made an En-
sign, an Ensign Lieutenant, Lieuten-
ant Captain, Captain Colonel, and a
Colonel General, not forgetting the
Surgeons Mate, who was exalted to a
Generals Aid.
We had the pleasure Of being looked
at by grave gentlemen in black, dandies
in their sprucest suits, and little urchins
in their best trowsers and their cleanest
ruffies. The fair, in rich dresses, both
black and white, discovered an interest in
the scene, and made us almost believe the
days of chivalry had returned and We
were in the middle Of tilt yard, about to
witness tournament, where lords and
ladies' were assembled to witness the CHI
valrous scene and greet the victors with
applause and smiles. But indeed there
was no chivalry and nothing military in it,
and those who had come as specta tators,
witnessed the scene only to laugh at the
ridiculous appearance ofthe soldiers. II
is necessary to have Militia, and It is al
SO necessary to have it well disciplined );
but this mock-training is Of no possible
benefit. The men take no pains to i'm
prove and are only ambitious to make as
ludicrous an appearance - possible the
officers are subjected to expense, and are
degraded by their Offices, and ere long if
tho present system is continued, it will be
difficult ITO find men to accept Offices,
which bring nothing but expense, per-
plexity and disgrace with them.
We heard veteran OF the revolution,
the other day, remark concerning our Mi
Iitia, that we had got our libertles, and
now appeared to care nothing about pre-
serving them, and We were forcibly inn
pressed with the truth and point of his re-
mark. The Legislature for many years
past have taken every measure in their
power to destroy the militia system, and
have at last succeeded in making it worse
than no system. The time has come te
4 ! reform. Reform the system or abandon
il it altogether either abandon all idea o
J, maintaining militia to serve us in cas-,
of danger from foreign invasion, or inter
nal discord ,either give ourselves up to tn,
n chance Of security, or reform the system
2 so MS to make it respectable and answera
: bic to the great end for which it is design
al ed. But however, enough has been sal
I already on this subject ; if talent and in
dustry could have purchased better sys
ut tenn, it had been donc long since. Tn
at anh;ert has e,>-xl;scussed In mr. T or;.