Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1852-01-27
THE VIRGINIA MILITIA sYsTEM.wtIo% IT

THE VIRGINIA MILITIA SfSTEM.-HON ITS
DEFECTS MAY BE REMEDIED.
Messr. Edors-As there seems TO be a much more gen
eral ineres, taken in Military throughout State
heretofore and several projects having been proposed
the Legislature i'll lieu OF the present totally Inadequate
SYSTEM be. leave submit through the columns of your
paper the following pan much suitable one, and
70 which would specially call the atten ton Of the Tom
quality in the plan, but it which am satisfied after
an active experience rouneer for the past eight years
will prove be adapted the of the State and to
the advancement and improvement of the uniformed volun
ecr branch of the Militia organization in Virginia From
the many petitions already presented the Legislature,
am convinced that the people of this Stale demand reform
or repeal o. the present useless SYSTEM Now, while
would BE- opposed adjustment OF all organization oil
the Militia, and believing that the people generally would
prefer system of organization to total
peal will submit the outlines OF plan, which would re-
eve the great OF the people from exobitant militia
axes and at the SAME time afford sufficient encourage
ment 10 the uniformed volunteer organizations by which also
will be preserved well disciplined military force, sufficient
for all purposes, short OF actual hostlIes win foreign
mower The plan proposed has been suggested by care
examination The militia laws OF several other States ard
the practical result Of those laws.
NV plan Is as follows
list Let it be the duty of the of the taxes
throughout State annually 10 make out list of oil per-
liable under the present laws 10 be enrolled In The mill
a Annual returns of the number thus enrolled TO be
made 10 the Aduan General of the State and by him TO
the General Government
I'D Each person so enrolled shall be assessed
dollar annually which shall be collected by the coec
tors Of Stae city and taxes, and commission o!
FIVE per cent. allowed them for compensation
"3d The uniformed companies throughout the State shall
5e organized regiments and these into bgades and d.
visions; companies be formed in the proportion
Of one company to every 1000 enrolled militia (Compa-
MES already organized not effected by this law) Of
cers of companies shall be elected by the active members
thereof and commissioned by the Governor Officers OF
regiments chosen by the company officers brigade Of
cers by those OF the qnenis and division officers TO be
appointed BY Governor elected by the Legislature
18th Artillery companies shall consist Of not less than So
nor more than g. Infantry Rife companies Of not
lcss than As nor more than 100 men, and troop Of Cava
vorl lace tbnp2 al
18TH No regiment shall consist OF less than FIVE or more
than compancs-the aggregate number OF men TO be
no, less than 200. than 1000.
18th Each company shall, besides the regmeEta mus
tes parade twice in each year bataons; and on such
parade appear in full uniform, and with knapsacks. On
those DAYS each company DESTROYS OF holding an encanp-
n.nt be furnished with tents and other accouemcnts
&c. BY the State application being made BY the com.
mandant of the company the Governor who shall issue
an order for the officer having superintendent
of the State Armo'y
9Th All commissioned officers and all persons volunteer
Ing 10 serve the uniformed companies shall be exempt
from the military TAX and shall receive from the State the
sum OF Ten dollars EACH annually upon exhibiting cert-
cate from the c0nandant Of the company, 10 which he is
attached that the applicant has done military duty six times
during the year preceding the annual return.
18Th After FIVE years service the officers and after
years service the pvaes attached to said companies shall
oe exempt from military and jury duty and shall also be
empled from jury duty while In service"
The uniformed companies shall be armed from the State
Armory present. except that the muskct shell have
percussion locks The uniformed militia shall be first called
into service in Of war or Instruction
The above Is Suthcent 10 give general lea OF the cio
| would propose and such plan will accomplish
LIST The relief Of the greater portion Of the people from
tho trouble Inconvenience of the present system.
3D. provides for efficient organized force ready all
times service md also provides suitable compensation
in yearly payments and privileges for those who volunteer
10 do duty.
3d. II secure. the Stale large fund for military rur-
poses which, after paving the volunteers ought 10 be
appropriated the Improvement OF the Armory and the
Military Institute, and 10 the establishment Of military
schools in various portions Of the State II also establishes
an organization OF skeleton regiments buaions ready
at all times be filled by drafts from the enrolled m!;i,
occasion require and furnishes material in cxpeen
ced and drilled officers and men officer and organize The
| companies formed from the militia drafted.
The following estimate will give idea Of the result. oil
the plan in n financial point of view, and also the
Enrolled militia, at least lis 0OO
Deduct the proportion of one company 10 each
1000 enrolled militia, say It's companies, aveta-
cling so men each, would give Of actrs militia $3.50
Leaving subject to taxation l66 $50
Thus yielding anounto Slo6,2oU
From which deduct The pay Of $3.50 men nj $40
each sS7 500
And tor Commissioners fer collecting s5l3
''''1 - - se5,sl3
l.eavin. ar annual surplus OF $50 437
into the STAT. .cIspry bc applied above Stated, Tor
military imiro, c;nenis, &c