The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-02-11


these powers have not been fully and appropriate
ly executed by that body but have been left TO the
state government respectively, and whereas the
constitution of this state declares that " Standing
armies in time Of peace are dangerous to liberty and
ought not to be kept up, and further "that the in
habitants of this State shall be armed and trained
for III Defence and whereas the Legislature OF
this state has neglected TO enact wholesome, neces-
sary laws to carry the above named provisions in
to effect, and if any wise legislation has been ac-
complished for this purpose, by one session, it has
been oyerthrown,o o. materially changed by the next
and whereas furthermore the present law in this
State is inefficient, unequal and unjust, and recent
changes tend TO paraize-dscourage and break
down the Militia, the great foundation Of civil lib
erty and that in its present state it calls for the
speedy, energetic and well directed efforts on the
part Of all those who are friendly to the manten-
ance and security Of political institutions we have
inherited from our fathers, therefore
Resolved, That in the language of the "rl,her
of his country" "a free people ought not only TO be
armed but dicpned to which end, n uniform and
well digested plan is requisite and that rhe devils
ing and establishing well regulated Militia would
be genuine source Of legislative hon and per-
feet title to public gratitude.
Resolved, That as laws providing for the or
ganzation afming and discipline ofihe Militia are
required by the constitution they should not provoke
the censure or jealousy ofthe warmest friends ofcv
liberty, for again in the language of the first Pres
iden they are incapable of abuse in the hands Of
the Militia who ought to possess pride in being
the great depository of the force of the Republic
Resolved, Thata whole people well organized
armed, and dicpned is a safer wal! of defence
than three fold Gordon of armed mercinarics or
wall of bick and stone or both.
Resolved, That as American citizens and lovers
of republican liberty we view with anxiety and
alarm the gradual rise Of standing army and other
measures Of Military power other than the people
that great constitutional bulwark Of our liberties.
Resolrea, That the Militia of the U. States is
capable of being so organized armed and dciplined
as to meet every Military exgency of the country
in peace and war.
Resolved, That large portion Of the millions
annually appropriated by the general government
for The purpose of for,iicaons, government and
army establishments, it should be applied for the
benefit OF the whoc,an the better organizing arm
ing and discip ning the Militia OF the United States
thereby rendering it efficient and at all times ca
pabe of answering The object for which it was de-
signed, of suppressng Instruction or repeng inva-
sion.
| Resolred, That well regulated Militia is the
only safe guard of republican liberty and that as
Americans and lovers Of civil freedom we will en-
deavor by every constitutional means TO render ii
sufficient for every emergency.
! Resoired, that the late movements in Europe and
the exercise Of British rule upon our own shores in
dicu,cs that nation is sleeping upon the brink of
II volcano, while the militia declared by the const-
tuition TO be the only safe and sure reliance in the
hour Of danger, ns,ead of being fitted and prepared
for the coming conflict, is suffered TO anguish and
decline. Therefore
| Resolred, That as freemen Of this Republic we
feel and should feel, the strongest interest in the
welfare of our national Militia and that we will
call loudly upon our fellow citizens to assist us TO
elevate il TO the high stand it was designed to occu-
| py by the founders ofour nation.
| Rcsoired, That Indifferent laws, that are stable
and fixed are better than others however good that
are continually altered mu,ilated and changed.
Rcsolrcd, That the changing and vascia,ng
policy pursued by the Legislature Of this state in
relation to the Militia Ia well calculated 10 break
down and destroy that or any other Institution, and
as such merits the decided disapprobation and re-
Duke of the Green Mountain Boys
Rcsoircd, That the discovery recently made by
the counci! of ccnsors, and the Legislature of this
state of the consiuonalily of the Militia laws de
serves to he ranked with the discoveries recently
made in the Moon, and but, for the profound wis
dom Augmentation Of those bodies it might have es-
capped The vigilance and penetration Of similar bod
les in all time 10 come rs il has heretofore done ms
well as that OF the very powers Of the constitution
itself.
Resolred, That laws eycusng one class OF ci,i-
zcns from taxes and burthens, which are imposed
on others is repugnant to the great principle Of E.
qual Rights, and should be abolished & we know
Of no American citizen who is too good to serve
in the ranks the republic TO do his part 10 pre-
serve and defend those institutions which protect
and defend himself.
Resolrci That an organ by means Of which We
can communicate with each other and our friend.
in this and our sister States is lndspensby neces
sary TO the better organization and improvement
of the Militia and that our thanks are due to the
Editors and propre,ors of the Citizen Soldier pub.
lishcl ut Windsor for the efforts and cxerions they
have made for the promotion Of those objects, and
we pledge ourselves 10 use all honorable endeav-
ours to pa,rcsise and support tina, paper and pro-
mote its Extensive circulation.
Col. Lewis offered the following resolution which
was adopted wiz
Resolved, That when this convention adjourn
it adjourn 10 meet at Middebury, on the 22d Of
Feb, next.
! On motion ofGcn. Cushman, voted that the bust.
ness committee be excused from reporting plan
ola Military association until this convention meets
at Middebury.
On motion of Col. Lewis the President appoin-
ted the following officers as committee 10 employ
suitable person TO address this convention when
il shall meet at Nliddebury, upon the subject OF
Military services yiz-Col. Lewis, Col. Pratt,
and Maj, Sweat.
Gen. Cushmun offered the following resolution
which was adopted viz
Resolred 1'ha, the thanks of this convention be
rendered 10 the members of the Tunbrdgc Band,
for their attendance and services on this occasion,
and regarding well regulated and efficient Bands
of Music as necessary in all regiments to aid
in practical operations, we will encourage and re-
spect all efforts for their maintenance, and TO the
Band present dedicate our best wishes for their
vices 10 which it is justly entitled.
Col Pratt, offered the following resolution which
was adopted wiz