The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-21

State Government our military system
must be permitted to form an exception,
and was not intended to be included in
those remarks.
Ithas been neglected for years, and
has fallen into disrepute; nor is it suppos.
cd much benefit would be derived from
frequent military musters and military
drills. They are usually days of dissipa-
ton rather than instruction in military
science. But under institutions like ours
and whore safety in case of war. is on a
citizen soldisry, there should be kept up
an effective enrolment and organization
ofour military force. Divisions, Brigades
Regiments and Companies should bs off,
csred complete, and full returns made, al
stated periods, to the Adutant General
No return has now been made for many
years, and the State of Ohio loses. at least,
one third of her just annual proportion
,ofthe public arms distributed by the United
States. .a '
The Constitution requires that legal pro.
vision shall be made for the enrolment ol
the military, and for the protection of the
public aims. The arms and accoutre.
ments Of all descriptions received by Ohio
at thsir contract prices, will amount TO a,
least, seven hundred thousand dollars
But small proportion of them are now in
the arsenal at Columbus; others have been
distributed to companies, and deposited in
different counties OF the State. and for
which storage is yearly demanded and
paid. Those to whose care they have
been intrusted. and have given security 10
the Quarter Master Gen eral, have. in some
instances. died, in others gone without our
jurisdiction. or become insolveut. In some
cases the public arms are out of repair, in
others not TO be found. and no one of re-.
sponsiblity to account tor their injury or
loss.
The Arsenal or place of deposit in CO.
lumbus, where there is large amount OF
this public property, is the old Penitnntiary
Building, damp, diiapidated. and lsaky,
weak. aud insecure. The arms and ac-
co,,rements placed in it are unsafe 1t
has oesn broken through, the presen, sum
mer, repeatedly, and muskets distracted. +.
for hunting and sport. With the advice
of the Quarter Master General. with no
other authority but that which was assum-
cd. in order to prevent these abuses. it WAS
deemed necessary to employ watclman.' :
and pay him monthly. from the contingen,
fund he has. however, been kept at work
in the repair OF the public arms This
subject of providing for their safety, was
specially brought to the notice Of the Cen
oral Assembly, but for want Of time. or
some other cause, did not receive its ac-
tion. i ...H
The Constitution not only requires the
protection OF this property, but it is sub
United TO the consideration of the Legisla-
ture, whether good faith to the United
States is not equally imperative.
Under the authority Of various acts Of
Congress, the public arms have been dis
tributed to the several States in a ratio to
numerical force Of their militia, to be used
in case Of war, invasion, rebellion, or in
surrection. for their defence or that Of the
nation. ~,
It's true the horizon is now clear. Not
a cloud appears 10 threaten bloody strife,
but Washington has SAID if peaceful rela-
tions are to be maintained. we must be
prepared for different state Of things, and
the Father of his country never spake in
peace or war. but his words were eminent
ly worthy of heed.
1t is recommended that provision be
made TO call in all the public arms, except
those necessary for light or volunteer COM
panies. and that they be stored in suita-
lilo place, put in order, insured. and given
to the custody Of the Quarter Master Gen.
eral. who should be required to give ssou.
rity tor faithful discharge Of his duty. in
their care and preservation. Tho storage
at one place, it is believed, would bo much
less expense to the State.
A thorough and complete organization
ofsthe militia, is. likewise. recommended.
We should at least know our own strength.
The General Government should know it
and give us our due proportion OF the pub
lie arms. Without this knowledge, and a
return of tho militia force to the War Do.
partmsnt, every year, they cannot be OBJ
tanned. Unless, however, good faith is to
be observed, and they are to have. at least.
ordinary care and diligence in their pres.
ervation. it will be equally wise, and more
lust to the General Government. to leave
them in the arsenals Of the United States.
The Constitution provides, also, for Gre
atine system of equal taxation, that all
the, property of the State shall be subjected
alike 10 the burthen Of supporting the Gov
ernment. This has been matter Of con-
,roysrsy for many years. The Democratic
party has not stood alone on proposition
80 equitable and just. This policy should
not be abandoned, while any legal means
remains TO effect the object. All who live
under our laws and enjoy the protection
which they afford. in proportion to their
property. should, be compelled by an equ-
table contribution, to assist in maintaining
Shis security. se "
.onths peculiar subject Of the taxation