Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-12-18

| Capt. Niles King. 4ih Regt. Artillery.
| Cap. Henry q. Street, 74th Iutantry.
! Mai John ID. Mcpncrsum, 9th Infantry.
Lieut.. Col. George w. Wilson, 18th lniaul-
Try.
On motion, the President was added to the
committee.
On motion, the Convention adjourned to 10
o'clutk Tomorrow.
December l2M.-The Convention met pur-
suant 10 adjournment.
! Col. Watkins from the Committee appointed
to- take into consideration the Militia Laws Nc.
reported that the committee hud had the same
under consideration, but were not yet prcpar-
ed 10 report, ANA asked leave 10 sit uSoin-
winch was granted.
| GA mu,iou, the Convention adjourned TO 10
( O'Clock Tomorrow.
| December lM.-The Convention met pursu-
ant to adi ,urnmeht
Cu Watkins from the committee appointed
to tab e into consideration the MIlitia Laws, &C.
presented the following report:
The committee appointed to advise and re-
commend an improvement in the present Mill
tia System, and the Laws in relation thereto,
respectfully represent, that in the performance
at this duty, your Committee were fully sensi-
"ie they approached subject OF no ordinary
magnitude. nor were they unaware Of tho great
ldiiticulIy of recunciling the various conflicting
views and interests, so as &c produce a system,
which would give the desired energy and eff
cieucy, aud at the same time, meet with gene.
raj appreciation {; in recommending, therefore,
| the outlines OF tile proposed plan, they do not
expect, nor indeed did they aim To attain
perfect system: if it should oDly be tho means Of
eradicaiiug some Of the most prominent de.
fects, it is, under existing circumstances, all they
can hope for. Your committee are not insen-
sIble of the many important objections to the
present system, and that the consequent want
of an efficient militia has become most serious
and dep!orabie evil; they consider too, the man
ner Of performing the duties, now devoved on
the militia, not ouly burdensome, but useless
requisiion; but whilst your committee are pre-
pared TO concede, that the prescu, system is
deficient in all its most essential parts, aud in
adequate to the attainment of the objects pro-
posed, they nevertheless, satisfied that these
defects are mainly attributable To the entire alb
sence of all good dsci pline, not only amongst
the prIvatcS, hut the commissioned officers
themselves. 1t seems then manifest TO your
committec, that If some efficient, economical,
practicable mode could be devised, TO remedy
this radical and fatal defect, the existence Of
which is so universally acknowledged, and to
inspire your military, with that true military
pride and noble zeal which should animate the
citizen soldier i'll The attainment of an art so
essential TO his security, an improvement of the
other defects Of the system comparatively of
minor importance, would of consequence follow
in quick succession, aud that then your militia
would become in reality, what il is now ia the
y, x
bulwark and safeguard of the rights and liber-
ties of a free people.
| III accordance then, with these views, your
committee submit the following, as in their OPT
Mon, best calculated 10 impart the greatest de
gree Of discipline, energy and usefulness to the
militia, consistently with ust regard to the
public expenditure, and thc convenience of the
great body If the people.
| lsI. That the entire military force of Virginia
should be arranged and distributed into Divi
siobs, Brgades, Regiments, sc. as is pre-
sy,ded for by the existing laws, and that all
officers should receive their appointing n Is, aud
commissions in like manner.
| I'd. That tho number Of officers shall cores
pond with the system provided 10y Congress.
| 3D.. That each company Of Infantry of the
line shall consist Of not less than so nor more
than 100 men.
9TH. That every able bodied white male ci,i-
zen, between the ages of Ii and As years,
should I've enrolled Tor militia duty.
5tG. That volunteer companies should re-
main generally, as at present organized, with
adequate encouragement to keep the existing
companies well filled and an inducement to the
formation Of other Ike Companies.
9th. That fines should be increased, and
promptly collected.
| 9th. That The services Of The Brigade Majors
should DO dispensed with.
Sib. That greater time should he occupied
IN the training OF officers, aud all trainings
should immediately precede tho Regimental
musicrs.
oh. That one Instructor and necessary a.
s.s'ant Instructors, should he appouted, whose
duty it should be to attend the trainings
for the purpose uf instructing the officers
agrecab'y 10 The system prescribed by Congress.
a certificate oil the entire perio nance of their
duties should he given by the commandments of
Regiments. Nhereupon the Instructors and
assistants should be allowed adequate COM
peEsation.
10Th. That battalion musters should be re-
stored and the company musrers increased.
Ilth. That Brigadier Generals should attend
The Regmental or Battalion musters of their
respective Brigadcs.
18th. That COmmaudants Of Brigades and
Regiments should be authorized, on emerpen.
cIes, 10 employ expresses ut moderate cOmpen
salicns, 10 convey their Orders.
l3h That COmmaudaDts of Regiments
Baualions and Companies should he authorized
10 employ competent musicians for tie drill
and musers,
l4h. That all officers after seven years SER
wee, should not DO compelled TO perform mill
tary duty III time of peace, but should be kept
enrolled FIR service in time Of war.
18th. That Volunteer Companies should ap-
pear in uniform, aud that each separate oorps
OF Volunteers Of The same denomination shouIJ
nave uniform differing from tic Others but
peculiar to iise.f.
lGih. The mole oftenderina The re srnation
OF Commissions, and The time Of holding th.
same should he bciei provided for 10y law.
lIth' That d classification Of the Militia is in
cxpedlent.
18th. FtadLly, Whether The plan herein pre-
scented or the general outlines of any other plan