Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-06-16

promoted by constant assenblases for information; and
in the ASSOCIATION of ideas thus developed intelligence
draws its p0raie and truth makes It's approaches In
the regulations of the army these things are held 10 be
"nnmltary and injurious to The pubic interest; al
though we are informed that at present, this regulation
Is somewhat amelioraed Ii is to be regretted there Is
no region for thought in the school OF the recruit The
athletic receives the ration that IS measured TO Inc
invalid, and both brought to common regimen OF
monotonous service Thus, the iron nerves of the eX
percnced warrior mcllowed into the delicate sens-
bty Of an exquisite, from the want OF variety in his
employment and habits. The good custom Of ancient
times in the of heavy weapons and the eXertions OF
personal prowess and skill, are entirely abando ed
In free Government military subjects are closely
interviewer with the interests of the people, and will
become the topic Of discussion The officer who ev'nces
cowardce will meet with as much popular dIsapproba-
ton as there will be applause for the humblcst soldier,
who fcarlessly faces the grape-shot of an enemy.
Let the attention of the many who have devoted
themselves their country IN this service be directed
to the inquiry, why is not the system progressive IN
those of its elements which dignity and elevate the pri-
vatc soldier;
Where, we would ask, is the system adapted to In
dian warfare How much bravery has been wasted,
how many valuable lives have perIshcd IN contests WIN
that foe and vet who has presented any views by which
those difficulties have been surmouned or embarrass-
mcns rcmedIed:
Tie militia are the preserving power Of the republic,
the treasure and defence of the country, composed OF
the honest yromanry, VINO nave tneir rHes ana kho"
how to use them Their pursuits IN The cultivation OF
the soil will not afford time for more than the usual
exercises which the laws require, nor will they approve
any nursery for military dicttantc, or delight in the
exhibition Of useless parade.
Owing great inattenton to the subject, there ap-
pears TO have been organization Of the militia thu
has met with general appreciation, and the committee
cannot now withhold their dissent from any alterations
Of the militia law that would change the manner OF
raiinr or blend together the troops of the several
States, for instruction other purposes unless the
same are called upon under the provisions OF the Con-
stitution
The classification by age, miscellaneous enrol
mcnt between certain ages between married or I'M
married persons the disposition and arrangement OF the
staff and other officers and the number of lcgons, d.
visions, brigades and regiments and their composition;
what people are exempt and who entitled to receive
pay what is discipline and what instruction, are points
vet undetermined and unsettled, except so lar as the
act of 1902 treats upon them.
In conformity with the rights reserved to the States,
il is important that they should direct their attention
to carry into effect the militia system under the exist
nr laws or instruct their representatives to modify
them in manner best calculated to ensure such de-
degree of military discipline and knowledge OF tactics,
as will render the militia in fact and permanent
hulwark of the national defence. our committee, be-
lie wing that the powers necessary to produce an eth
Gent militia are divided between the general Govern
ment and the States, that the Constitution gives 10
Congress only qualified agency the subject, and
tina, no suggestions be made more beneficial than
those Which years have sanctioned, conclude that
nothing can be done ctcctualy upon the subject by
Congress- unless The foundation for II shall be land by
the previous action of the States, and respectfully ask
ia he discharged from the further consideration of the
subject.