New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-01-22
MILITARY ORGANIZATION OF TIE
STATE.

The recent Military Convention held at ~
rseuse. ought to possess some interest Tor the
neople of the State, aside from those directly
taking part in it, and belonging to the large
body of Organized associations it was supposed
- r.,rcsent Since the close of the last war
With Great Britain, the prevalence OF peace
has rendered it unnecessary that much arten-
tiop should be paid TO military matters, and che
mass Of the people st once actively engaging
in busiuess pursuits, the performance of the
small amount of military duty which the State
demanded Of It's citizens, became 70 degree
irksome, and was avoided whenever circum-
stances permitted them 70 throw off the obi
cation. Some military spirit still remained the
remnant Of the army were kept together by
sort of esprit da corps, and companies OF
yolunteerswere sustained by attracting recruits
from among the young men who fanced the
bravery Of military costume, and delighted in
knowledge and mimiery OF the arts OF glo-
rious war" Gradually, however as commerce.
agriculture, and mechanical business, absorb
ed the time of Size people, they became
less and less inclined 20 fulfil military duty -
and the annual muster from being grand and
meaningless parade, grew into a grOtesque
farce, and became generally as Odious as il vas
unnecessary.
Efforts were made from year 70 year
10 Get rid of this absurd custom, and after
various attempts at reform, the Legislature
was forced 70 confess that the thing was lncaps.
Die Of amendment, and wisely concluded to do
away with il altogether The apparent neces-
sity for keeping up the enrolment of all per-
sons ia the State liable 70 perform military
duty. q duty which q law OF Congress imposes
upon the States prevented the abrogation Of
the whole system. A new law Was passed as
sessing upon all such persons the sum OF fifty
cents per annum, which VAS 70 be considered
as a Communication Of the duty which the ciJ-
zen owes the State as a soldier This annual
TAX, amounting in the aggregate 10 something
ike two hundred thousand dollars forms a
fund 70 be used for the promotion of military
science and is appropriated for the partial re-
munerafon OF those who compose the uui-
formed militia and perform a certain amount
Of military daty every year lor the payment Of
officers salaries, &c
The military establishment which is thus
founded becomes separate estate, which
j. TO be supported by tie people in the
sane manner that other public institutions
are maintained. The independent corps which
formerly were kept up by love for mill.
tan exercises and spirit OF emulation in
mstters Of dress and perfection in military eyo.
luti0ns, have now advanced 70 a new position and
become n some sense State troops. receiving
regular pay FOR services, owing obedience 70
general and field officers, and liable 20 be called
cut for the assistance Of the civil force in
lany case that may require the interference
eoi armed troops. There may be no obiec-
ton TO al this, on the score Of policy, if il is
/ admitted that the military arm should. in
I any case, be brought into exercise to support
the avs And that il may sometimes be neces.
sary IN a city Ike this, the Astor-plaee riot
, Sos,d seem 10 iem0nstra,e, and the expert