Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-10-27
Military COsUenffOss.


Gus notice, met at the Court House in Mont
pelier Oct. H. 1887, at o'clock A. M. and
organized by the appointment Of Brig Gen,
T. b. Ransom, Chairman pro fem. and
J. w. Curtis, Clerk pro TEN. The follow
ing gentlemen were appointed Committee
TO nominate officers for this Convention
viz: Gen Jacob Washburn. Col. S. b
Flint, Gen. Stephen Dole, DR.. Ira Davis
Capt. ]. A. Vail, and Maj. S. Churchill
Gen. T. B. Ransom. Col s. B. Hazeltine.
Capt. Alden Partridge, DR.. Ira Davis, and
Gen Francis E. Phelps were appointed a
Committee TO draft resolutions and report
the same 10 this Convention.
Voted. That all gentlemen present, who
feel an interest in the Militia system, be in
vted to take seats in this Convention and
participate in its deliberations.
Adjourned TO o'clock, p. M.
2 o'clock, Pm
The Committee appointed TO nominate Of
6cers for the Convention, reported the follow
ing nominations.
Maj. Gen, FRANCIS E. PHELPS
President
Maj. Gen. Stephen Dole.
Brig. Gen. J. Washburn, Vice Pres
Gen. John Kellogg, idents. >
Col. J. M. Porter,
7 7. n \. T %ssssvrp ses,.la,'e.
The report was accepted and the above
named gentlemen were duly elected TO serve
Is the officers Of the Convention. After re-
marks upon the present degraded state OF
our militia system had been offered by Gen
Phelps and by Captain Alden Partridge, the
Committee appointed to draft resolutions not
being prepared to make their report, Voted,
to adjourn to meet at the Masonic Hall this
evening at half past o'clock
EVENING.
The Convention was called to order, pur-
suant TO adjournment, BY Mai. Gen. Fran.
els E. Phelps. Gen. Ransom, from the
Committee appointed for that purpose, re-
ported the following series Of resolutions
which were taken up and acted upon sepa-
rately, and unanimously adopted, viz:
Whereas, in the opinion Of this Conven-
tion competent military defence is abso-
lutely necessary for the preservation OF the
rights and liberties Of our Republican
whereas such military defence must consist
either Of standing army or an efficient
and well disciplined miiitia,-and whereas
il is declared in the 10th article Of the Dec.
laration of Rights by the people OF this
State. that standing armies are dangerous to
liberty,-and whereas the militia being com
posed Of the free citizens Of the country,
and. consequently, having a deep interest in
guarding and preserving public liberty and
National Independence, and also in sustain
ing the laws and free institutions Of the
Republic; Therefore Resolved. That, ia the
opinion Of this Convention, an efficient and
well organized militia is indespensably me-
cessary 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 CHI
zen depends on our ability as Nation 10
repel foreign invasion, and suppress insur.
reclion and rebellion; Therefore Resolrsd,
That, in the opinion of this Convention, ev-
cry American citizen should be considered,
both in law and equity, as constituting Dor.
ilon OF the public defence, and that all laws.
which go 10 exempt any portion from par.
ticipation In the burthens of this important
public duty, are Ant-Republican, unequal
and unjust
ResOiped, That, in the opinion of this
: Convention, if there be any class or classes
OF our citizens who. in consequence of 9th
er duties. are necessarily prevented from per.
forming active military duty on parade, they
should pay an equivalent. which should be
appropriated to reduce the expenses and
burthens of those who personally discharge
those active military duties.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this
Convention, Reorganization and equaliza
ton Of the Brigades and Regiments OF the
militia is necessary in order 10 equalize the
duties OF the various officers who command
the same
Residual, also, That when so re.orpan
i.ed and equalized. the different regiment,
should be designated by number, and thei,
location and.number established by law
Rssolced' That the present system doe,
not secure 70 the officer the instruction ne
cessary to the proper discharge Of his du,,
IN consequence of the impossibility. in ma
cases, Of procuring proper drill officers.
Re'olrsd, therefore That more uniform