Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1853-07-09
COlored Militia.


The Constitutional Convention Of Massachu.
setts has had under consideration the question
of abolshing all distinction of color in the en-
rolmcnt Of the militia of the State. Several
propositions werc Intellectually made, the last of
which, presented by Mr.. Wilson, was as follows
Resolved, That no distinction shall be ever
made in the organization of the volunteer mi
litia of the Commonwealth, ON account of color
or race
Mr.. Choate went into an argument to prove
that the proposition was unconstitutional one
if it was the design that the colored volunteers
should form any part of the national army. The
argument, in substance, was this Congress by
the Constitution has the power OF organizing
the militia. 1t has organized it, and distinctly
defined that it should consist of ",chites. =
Massachusetts could not lcgislate in conflict
with this. Therefore the proposition was an
unconstitutional one. If colored regiment
were to win Bunker Hil-with this constitu-
tional act Of Congress in existence, they could
never be recognized as part of the national
militia and could be amenable to no military
court. The power of organizing and training
the militia was not exclusively with Congress.
The States might act in support of congressional
action, and in points where Congress had failed
to act, but not in conflict with that action. If
such company were organized the President
could not recognize it as part of the militia of
the United States.
To dodge the difficulty, at the suggestion of
Mr.. Sumner, Mr.. Wilson substituted for the
word "miliAa," in his resolution, the words,
"n,ilitayy companies" At this proposition,-
which really looks to us like miserable subter-
fuge,-the Hunkers held up their hands, and in
genuine astonshment, inquired, If military
companies did not mean militia, pray what
did it meani' Finally, it was decided that
organization, either in companies or militia I;
and by large vote the whole subject was laid
upon the table,
This is q fair specimen Of the dilemma into
which the good intentions of men run them,
when in a false position. General Wilson and
Mr.. Sumner are going to support the Constitu-
ton, believing it to be pro.slavery, and yet arc
also going to abolish slavery under it, and secure
equal rights to all. Their fatal concession brings
them up all standing at every point, and
the best that even Mr.. Sumner and Wilson
combined, can do, is to resort to some quirk oi
dodge like the one above. We hope that the,
may some time learn that bolder ground mus
be taken, if by any means they intend to sue
ceed. 1t will take bolder policy than tha
marked by trickery or evasion to overwheln
the slave power, with the government at it
control.
With regard to the objection of these Consti
tuition makers, VIC suppose it is not 10 tho hell
of the colored in case there was any real fight
ing to be done-any Bunker Hill battles to win
They would doubtless be then willing enoug
to have them shot at or bayonetted. But tn
objection is to the training. The citizen soldier
don't like the idea of having negroes paradinI
in epauletts and sporting plumes and red-taile
coats. This their dignity could never endure
and so the Federal Constitution is to be secur
henceforth, the Massachusetts Constitution un
altered, and If the colored people shall spoI
their military fnery and muskets for exhibition
the Governor or Sheriff may disperse them as
mob.