The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1831-11-01
Feom the Albany Daily Advertiser.
GRIND MILITIA PARADE.

On Saturday afternoon, at halfpast one
the "Fusieers" and ''lnyincibles, assem-
bled on Clinton Square. As the parade
was intended ns-a burlesque and ridicule
on the militia system, SD was the place of
meeting appropriate, as burlesque and
ridicule on public Squares" Those
who ordered the meeting at this spot,
had, probably, this in view. AS the mi
litia system is vain attempt at splen-
dor, so is the square. As the appear
ance Of the militia is degrading, so is
the square. As their meetings are use
les and burdcnsomc to the public so is the
Square. The association is remarkable;
aud the influence will, it is trusted, be sal
utary, in correcting one evil, and in pre-
venting the repetition of any which re-
scmbles the other.
The appearance of the "soldeas" who
assembled, was Of the most variable and
ludcrous kind. They seemed to bo full
believers in the declaration of fShakspeare
that "Variety is the very spice of life."
There were no two attired nike, or any
where's near like.-Their dresses were
as different as their physiognomies. 1t
appeared as though they had exhausted
all invention in deyising strange and fam
tasical modes Of costume. Their habil-
imcnts were ofthc East and West Indian,
Of the Turk, the Moor, the Otaheitan:
the Kamschatkian, the Hottentot, the
Spaniard, the Chinese, the Scotch High
lander, the Grecnlandcr, and of every
other nation under the moon, and Of some
in or above the moon, we suppose, for we
never saw or heard of any natiou on this
globe, who attire as some of these Fusi-
eers we're at,ired. They resembled
nothing on the earth, in the waters under
the earth, or in the heavens above the
earth, SO far rs our knowledge or judg-
ment can assist us to imagine. We wish
it were in our power to give to the read
er, full aud clear picture Of this motley
group. But it would be useless for the
best writer to attemptit. Only personal
observation would convey it to the mind.
A standard was displayed bearing this
inscription:--'Here civil frenzy loves the
general veal
There were in the "regiment," several
persons from Troy, delegates Of the mi,
litia of that city.
There were upwards of sixty, who as
senblcd. They were commanded by Of
I ficcrs the same as are regular soldiers.
Z Curporals. Sercauts, Ensigns, Lieuten-
ants, Captain, Major, Colonel, and
General the last three mounted ON hor-
scs. There were also on horseback, a
Chaplain, Surgeon, Inspector, and Adju-
iant. The chaplain was dressed in
full robes, and though he much resem-
bled an English fox-hunting and wine
drinking parson, yet he maintained u
"violent and inhexihle wise face, like
Solomon at the dividing Of the child. in
an old picture;" on his back was a label
with the words "Magdalen Report" and
"a. T.. Burgundy" In order to UNDER
stand fully the meaning Of this partieu-
lar part Of the burlesque, 1t L,ust be
brough, to mind that by the new coisi,-
tuition no priest or minister Of the gospel
can hold any Office under the authority
Of the state: consequently, iaymen must
be appointed chaplains. An inconsis-
tency as glaring as the whole militia sys-
TEN is useless. II was not intended to
ridicule clergymen; this would be uagcn-
erous and unjust, ,as they cannot have any
thing 20 do With the military system Of
this state.
The surgeon had his saddle bags, with
galiipots, al,ssecting instruments, &c.
The Major General was received ly
the troops With all the customary honors.
and he reviewed them in perfect military
style. A sword larger than that wicld-
ed by Sir William Wallace was present.
I'd u him in Duo form o speech was