Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-05-02
MILITIA TRAINlNGS.-Agreeabl,

w ILL la IRAi4Nl4NOO.-A ieeoOly
to an act passed by the Legislative Assem-
bly, of this Territory, which may be found
in this paper, militia parades in Wiscon-
sin are in future to be dispensed with.
The thrilling and interesting scene Of a
militia training, will in all human proba
bility never more crafty the curiosity of
the boys, or furnish an exhibition for the
lovers Of the marvellous. The martial ho-
nors of Colonies, Captains and Corporals,
are all gone. The chivarous scene of
militia officer with sword dangling by his
side, land of the trainer brandishing harm
less blunderbuss, are sights no more to be
looked upon. Shakespeare has furnished
an image for almost every circumstance in
which man can be placed. Othello's leave
taking of military glory, may now be read
and pondered by those Of us who have been
renowned on parade days.
Farewell the neighing steed land the shrill trump
The spirit-string drum, the ear-piercing fife,
he royal banner; ana all equality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war
And o your mortal engines, whose rude throats
The immortal Jove's dread clamors counterfeit,
Farewell Othello's occupations gone ~
Nor is it probable that we shall ever again
see the interesting spectacle of crowds of
invalids on training days, suddenly afflicted
with rheumatsn>s, lame backs, sprained
ANGLES, near sightedness, blood spittings,
and all the ailments found in the catalogue
Of diseases. Everybody has been wont to
observe what a terrible epidemic usually
prevailed about training time, among that
class of persons who are subjects Of militia
ry duty. Able bodied men were suddenly
seized with alarming symptoms, and afllic-
ted with severe bodily sufferings:-hcnce
the number not on the sick list on militia
training day, was comparatively small. l.
And then who has not marked the magic
restoration to health and soundness Of the
lame, the halt, and the blind, as soon as the
day of military discipline had passed away.
scenes are closed and will only be
with the things that were.
But it is possible that some of our bro
Their officers may be somewhat crest-fallen,
in view Of the change which has come over
their visions of military glory, and may be
inclined to accuse us of treating the mat
ter lightly; we would therefore speak with
candor. However important it may be to
preserve amilitary organization, and be in
preparation for the emergencies of war, it
is nevertheless clear that the practical OPP
GRAFTON Of our present militia system, does
not produce the desired results. The in
struction which those liable to perform mi
ltary duty, gain at company parades and
musters, is by no means an equivalent for
the time and expenditure required. The
subject Of military duty who has passed
through the ordinary routine Of militia
trainings for twenty years, is generally as
ignroant of military tactics-of the services
of the field and the camp, as the freshman
who has just had his first enrolment. And
how is it possible that different result
could be expected under the existing state
of things Public opinion year after year
has been strengthening against the utility
and expediency Of the militia system, until
the current has become almost irresistible.
What therefore could be expected
from system, however wise ands proper
in itself. which has not the confidence and
good will of the people 2 Was it reasona-
bic to look for any beneficial result. so long
as military trainings were regarded by those
liable to perform duty, as burden, a task,
and unwelcome service The great mass
of those subject TO perform military duty,
have been accustomed to look with dread
TO the periods set apart by law or by supe-
rior officers, for martial exercise; and
hence every expedient has usually been re-
sortehS sforthe purpose of evadipg the