Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-12-31
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE.
COMMUNIC ATT o n 5.
MEETING OF MILITIA OFFICERS.

Ara meeting Of the Officers oil the DUN neg''
,,s,t held at Fairfax Court House on Monday,
the 10th December, 1888, for the purpose OF eA'
messing their views in relation to the present
Militia Law of this Commonwealth, -the meet
ing was called to order BY requesting COL oiLAS
BuRKE to take tie Chair, and j. II. SWEENEY u
act as Secretary.
The Chair having explained the object '"r
xhch the meeting was Called capt j. d. 'iu"
Ter rose and moved the appointment OF Ioh'
mittee. with instructions TO prepare anu report
re.olu,ions expressive Of the views OF the meet
;,o.-which motion being adopted, the Chair no.
minated the following gentlemen, to W.T.: Gap
,a;ns Hunter, Wrenn, and ws,-who report
Oh 70 the meeting the following preamble and re-
solutions. which were severally read and unani-
mossly adopted:
Relieving as we do, in the language OF our Bill
of R,ohts. that "a well regulated Militia, con
oosed of the body OF the people, Is the proper.
natural and safe defence OF a Tree State, anu
chewing our present Militia Laws as totally III
adequate to such defence, and having witness.
ed in our last Legislature an entire disregard ~
,hs v,r;ous rrports and resolutions at sundry
meetings Of Militia Officers, and expressions OF
oublic sentiment, in almost every county on the
sub;set.-we had almost dcspaired OF any ma
ter,al change: but encouraged by proposiuon
for a Convention, in the recent message OF tne
Chief Magistrate OF this Commonwealth we
nn;,s with the Officers Of the 62d Regiment in
again calling upon the representatives OF the peo'
oIs in the legislature, 10 give their attention
e. this matter; and we moreover solicit our
brother Officers in every county to use their
s,er,ion, for the attainment Of the objects we
have in view. Therefore,
Pesolped, as the opinion Of this meeting. That
a general Convention composed OF distinguished
officers and citizens from different parts OF the
State. carving with them various local express
.ions of sentiment, is best calculated TO harmon
ize conflicting opinions, and produce system IN
accordance with popular will and fully equa''ing
public expectut That, tor the following rea'
sons. there should be such concert among the Of
fcers as should bring the attention OF the Legs
i,ture 10 a consideration of said Convention at
onc.:-lst. Because scheme having its origin
in such bixh authority, and receiving the weight
of the popular voice, cannot fail OF success. Cd.
Because relaxation, the known consequence OF
delay. will inevitably prevent any acton whate
yer ON the subject this session, and the evils of
the present Laws are already lntolerable. That
amono the proposed amendment We offer the fol-
lowing:
lst: To every Regiment there should be not
less than two Volunteer Light Infantry for Light
Infantry and Rifle Companies, which should be
required to wear appropriate uniform, with
and all fines arising from deli IN such
COMPANIES be so disposed OF as to- uniforms,
musical instruments, &c. for thsS e.
Cd There should be not less than four Petty
Nusters of Infantry Companies annually, one OF
which in every Company Of the First Battalion
shocid be- .uperinte nded by the Lieutenant Co.
lionel. aud one Of which in every Company OF
the Second Battalion should be superintendent by
the Major, each of whom should be allowed a
moderate compensation fixed by law tor his
services.
Sd rhe Battalion Musters should be reinstat.
ed, and the Colonel be required to superlntend
them. and receive moderate compensation lnx-
ed by law) for his services.
4th The Brigadier General should be requir'
ed to attend each Rrgimenta' Muster within hrs
Brigade, aud receive a moderate compensation
fixed by law for his services.
5,h There should be one Troop OF Cavalry to
each Regiment, completely uniformed, armed
and equipped.
9th. the First and Second Sergeants Tor
guides Of the right and lefty of each Company
should be required To attend the annual training
of the Officers, aud receive such moderate com
pensation as will cover their expenses In so doing
7th. A fine should be imposed on any officer
exercising his Regiment, Battalion, or Company,
By Tactics differing from those laid down by law
Resoirsd. That no pains or expense should be
spared Lfor the present at least in properly or
sanizing aud regulating the Militia OF tins Com,
mon wealth.
ResOiped, That the foregoing resolutions be
signed by the Chairman and Secretary ana Tor,
wsrdsd to our representatives in both branches OF
the Legislature. and a copy to the Editors OF the
Alexandria Gazette, Richmond Wing, and En-.
auirer, with a request for their publication.
SiLAS BURKE, Chairman.
J. Il, SWEENEY, Sec'y.
TcoMMuNICArED.