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


the further consideration Of the subject. In this prac
teal detail Of popular feeling that clings TO the rights of
the States, though the laws treat oi masses as hav
ing local attachments believe there is safety,
union, and strength. 1t is protection from mill
tary dcspotism which all popular governments have
natural tendency; and, while IT makes every man a
soldier it teaches him that patriotism is the best
motive and valor the best discipline.
The constant pursuit of military glory is too apt TO
inspire fomdncss for uSurpa,!on conquest while
those who are thus employed endeavor TO improve il
INTO profession or follow It as trade. In proportion,
therefore, are invested with such duties, not
required hy any immediate sudden danger, they ""
come regardless Of the higher obligations Of good Cit
zcns, and forget their rights in maintaining the supre
macy of their corps promoting the elevation of their
ambitious leader Thus the Roman republic sunk into
dcspotsm IN" love 9" country, and the preservation Of
freedom were sacrificed 10 selfish passions. The
Roman canlcs were placed in the chapels of the camp
and received the religious worship of the cgions
while each soldier. upon his OATH vowed never to de-
scrt his standard and promised to sacrifice his life for
The SAFETY Of rhc emperor and the empire Bound to-
gether by artificial motives, and taught TO dread their
officers more than the enemy they became the docile
Instruments n ,prral power al the expense of every
principle which ,iigh perpetuate their ancient liberty
ANY system OF discipline which creates perempory
distinctions, too frequently degradcs those who are
Obliged to be subordinate. The doctrine that men, in
proportion they become machines, arc better TO be
depended upon in battle, is countenanced BY foreign
Government. May it not be asked, whether the re.
MUS Of institutions does not invite sentiments of
refined and elevated character, which will place
ulster value upon humanity, and abandon antigua.
ted code nimical to Republican liberty
There is wide field for improvement in disci-
pine open to those who choose to explore it, As every
species Of labor be rendered less rksome wherever
II IS made attractive, might not military system be de-
vsed which would not he rcpugnant 70 the Sta tes if the
spirit OF emulation stimulated by ha Mary
ice; In this way the severity of duty wou'Sbe amc-
iiorated ana more equitable appreciation of the rank
and file become the first step toward reform Men
would then be estimated not for their physical quali-
cations only, but also for their moral. virtues They
would be admired equally for their obedience in arms
and esteemed Tor Their exemplary conduct when they
returned to the peaceful pursuits of the citizen
In this consideration Of better system promotion
from the ranks appears 10 be prominen, feature 1t
the incentive 10 deeds of bravery aud should not be
UNDERMINED The best energy Of the soldier extin.
guished BY neglect and the worst discipline becomes
efficient when he is appreciated
Another suggestion Of improvement might be IN
dulged, in the propriety of military deliberations and
discussions All other departments Of science are best