The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-14

gained lmmeasuruoiy IN European reputation by
the gigantic size spendor and speed Of those noble
vessels appropriate types they are of the energy
OF our merchant princes, as well az of the gran
deur of our country The object of selecting a
govenme mt vessel is not to freight to the ex
hibtors-that is a trifing matter-but to give dig
nifty and importance TO the United States, and to
the ingenuity Of our mechanics, manufacturers, and
industrial classes generally. If Congress were to
consult the wishes Of the people, we are satisfied
they wosd appropriate sufficient money to fit out
the Pennsylvania for this purpose, at once.
"
| The Military Spirit In New YOrk-The Tar.
get Companies on Thanksgiving Day.
The great number of target companies that turn
ed out, in this city, on Thanksgiving Day, has sug-
| gested 10 us few observations.
One Of the most remaI kabe things that strikes a
stranger from monarchy-rdden Europe, on visiting
this city, is the martial array that everywhere
his eye 1t is true, he sees but little OF the
regular army-the paid soldiery of the United
States sovemment-but he can scarcely be an
hour in New York before he witnesses evidences
of The voluntary military spirit. If he does not
happen upon some of our enrolled militia c9mpa-
Mes with their beautiful uniforms and equip
ments--all purchased at the expense of the wear
tff, huu COsuLg, upon an average, uJi-
lars escL-he is sure 10 fall in with target com
Psny under aims, either wearing uniform or citi-
zen's dress-black frock coats and pantaloons, or
a fantastic, variegated, multform beggaring des-
scfipton; while n target, decorated with flowers,
is borne on the shoulders of splendid specimen of
the negro race 10 be shot at for prize, for glory
alone; or, mayhep the target is on its return from
the excursion and presents many striking evide
Of the Workmanship of the youthful corps. The
stranger etares at this, to him, strange sight and
il he reflects at all, he cSnno, but arrive at the
conclusion, that world in arms could not conquer
such 8 country. The babe imbhes the military spirit
with bis mother milk, while he turns his head aside
to listen TO the music Of passing military band
Scarcely has the young idea begun to bud, when
The passion for arms Is manifested, and the boy
who has only got trousers upon him. looks forward
To The fourth Of July, when he sh III fire his pistol
or Tiny cannon, in commemoraton of the day
On which the independence Of the country
was declared-an independence maintained aad
wen by the blood and valor of his ancestors
Thus inspired with patriotism, mis- ambition is TO
become member of gallant target company, and
if possible, a lieutenant or captain. His next
thought, perhaps is TO go step higher, and Join a
militia corps, or 1t may be that his attachment to
his target company is go great that he would not
exchange his post for membership in the most
dashng militia company in the city. Arlall events,
he loves all that is military, and if the honor or
danger of his country calls him to arms, he will
ruth to the battle field, resolved to conquer or die
The bravest spirits 10 the Mexican campaign, the
youth who flung themselves into The immine mt
deadly breach" stormed the blazing artillery Of
the foe, or tore down his stand from the sum-
nit Of his stronghold, and planted in its stead the
stars and stripes, were members of such target
companies as daily pass the Herald office.
Some of the beet and most efficient of these orca
nizations are Termed out of fire companies, who
thus discharge double duty-hrst in the preserva-
ton Of the lives and property of their fellow citi-
zens against terribleenemy; and secondly, in fit
| ting themselves for combat with any foe OF the
| Union that may arise, whether foreign or domes-
| tic No men in the world make such soldiers az
firenep. Accustomed TO respond promptly TO tAe
call Of danger, toquit the pillow at the hour of mid
night, to endure the extremes of heat and cold &c
brave peril without fear reward to obey the or
ders of their leaders. and to concert together
they are the most formidable foe in the field that
ever levelled musket or charged home with the
bsyonet. Mere mercenaries could have no chance
with such spirits as these.
Yet, how would Europeans, like the British Army
DsVstth, sheer at the idea Of me chanics, and La
borers, and clerks, beng the captains and lieu
tenants Of these target companies! The officers are
elected by the company, and the best men are
chosen, without the slightest regard to class, OF
rank, or wealth; and often, the man who Is highest
in these respe CITE, occupies the lowest position in the
company, and shoulders his musket as a private
though perhaps he subscribes very largely the ex
penses Of the company for annual excursions, aac
other contingencies.
| II is curious how these companies are named
They take their designation from some great histo
ricsl character of whom the country is proud, or
perchsnce, from some distinguished man Of tn,
day, or, lastly, from rome leader locally popular
but scarcely known beyond the precincts of hi,
own ward. The following list TAKEN from the flel
ofthe Herald for the last three months, will Civ,
the reader some idea of the number Of these com.
psnes, and the nance by which they are called =
| Nsndewater Guard, Tslcott Gxard,
| Washington Market Choe- Binns' Guard.
| der Club Guard Atlantic Light Guard.
| Woeott Guard, American Light Guard,
Wilson Guard, Alliance Guard.
| Nutee Guard, Adams's Light Guard,
Purdy Guard. Bakers Guard,
Turks Island Guard. Briede's Guard.
| Ibdepsnt ssrsneld Guard, Baglsy Light GuarA
| Oakley Guard Baxter Guard.
stair Builders Guard, Bony Fusile~rs
/ TuThbul Guard. Carlton Guard,
1 Roules' F.neibes, Casey Guard,
i Jackson Guard, Continental Guard.
It~l.tn ..~.l