The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-11-07
MILITARY CONVENTION.

Ala Convention of Delegates from several parts
of the State holden at Montpelier on the 18th OF
October the following among other resolutions,
ware passed. The last resolution is particularly
worthy of notice. The principles of the resolution
if practically carried out throughout the State
would do more to elevate the character of the mill
tia and consequently add to its responsibility than
any legislative enactmonts can effect Officers oil
militia do much in this way towards consum
mating the temperance reformation and the inau
ence of the stations they occupy should be thrown
in favor of this benevolent and Godlike enterprise
ofelevating the human race, by extermnating the
monser-vice intemperance. BY declining to Offer
those under his command that which 'muketh mad
the officer will the respect of even those Who
might be dspleased for the time being but at last
they will be constrained to call him blessed.
Whereas, in the opinion of this convention n
competent military defence is absolutely necessary
for the preservation of the rights and Liberties of our
Republic whereas such military defence must
consist either of n standing army, or an efficient and
well -discpned militia; and whereas it is declared in
the 10th article of the Declaration of Rights by the
people of this State, that standing armies arc dan
gerous to liberty,-and whereas the militia being
Composed of the free citizens of the country, and
consequently having deep interest in guarding
and preserving public liberty and national indepen
dence, and also in sustaining the laws and free in
slitutions of the Republic: Therefore,
Resolved, That in the opinion of this convention
an efficient and well organized militia is indspen.
SADLY necessary for the promotion of our national
independence, and the support of our laws and civil
Institutions.
And whereas the protection both of the person
and property Of every American citizen depends on
our ability as nation to repel foreign invasion, and
suppress instruction and rebellion therefore,
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this convention,
every American citizen should be considered, both
in law and equity, as constituting portion OF the
I,f, thn,, oil
empt any portion from participation in the bur-
thens of this important public duty are anti-repub
lican, unequal and unjust
Resolved, That, IN the opinion of this convention
if there be any class classes of citize who
in consequence of other duties, necessarily pre-
vented from performing active military duty on pa
rade, they should pay an equivalent, which should
be appropriated TO reduce the expenses audSbur-
thens of those who personally discharge those active
military duties
Resolved, That the present system does not Sc
curesto the officer the instruction necessary to the
proper discharge of his duty in consequence of the
impossiblity, III many cases. OF procuring proper
drill officers.
Resolved, therefore, That a more uniform and
competent provision should be made by law for the
instruction and discipline of the officers of the mill
Tia of this State
Resolved, That when any persons property is
taken for the of the public the owner ought to
receive equivalent in money so, also, when any
person is required to spend his time in the public
service, he is entitled to a like equivalent,
Resolved, That the exemption of militia polls !
fiom taxation, urder the existing laws, is unsats-
factory, unequal and unjust.
Resolved, therefore, That in lieu of such exomp-
iion each officer, non-commssioned officer, must
clan and private should receive reasonable per |
diem allowance in money for the time spent in per
forming miIiturY duty.
The following resolution was introduced by Mai. |
Churchill, and unanimously adopted
Whereas the practice Of providing ardent spirits
by the officers of militia, is injurious and dele
FERROUS in its ofects-theretoro, Resolved, That we
will use all honorable measures to abolish it.