The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-17

supeannuated officers, in very short time the asso.
citation would be entirely controlled by that body Of
| men.
Colonel Tyler said he had no such fears, and did
not believe 1t. They would join it, not to make
money, but for the interest of the militia.
Col. SORoGGs maintained that the supernumeries
would only cucumber the association. great many
OF them had not been In service for many year, and
had no right to belong to it, They were the active
militia of the State, and ought not to be subject to
the control of officers who do no active duty. When
they were in commission; they seldom paid any at
tention whatever to the discipline of the troops.
Gen. BUsBEN would wish ii Gen. Swan and Major
Lee would relate to the convention what kind OF dis
cipline they saw at Lundy Lane.
Gen. SWAN declined to give any information on
that subject.
Colonel SEWARD said that they have not yet felt
the preponderance of supernumeries.
Major LEE said that they came there for the pur-
pose OF adopting bylaws and resolutions, and what
did they want OF those supernumeries who were OPP
posed to all discipline. They wanted young, active,
and hard working men. He then went on to say
that all men who wore epaulettes were not the men
who should compose the members of the association.
There were privates in his regiment, who were equal
with him in all respects excepting the rank. These
men had served seven years. and were well deserving
seat in that convention.
Col. WILLARD moved an amendment to the second
article in reference to the supemumeries which did
not entirely exclude them from the association but
deprived them Of any vote, and that they should be
elected, which gave them the title Of honorary mem
bers.
Gen. BURROUGHS moved that the third article Of
the constitution should be altered SO that the officers
should be President, four Vice Presidents two Sc
cretaries and Treasurer; and that those officers
should constitute council of administration and that
no two of the officers should belong to any one diyi-
sion in the State.
Gen. SWAN opposed that motion, on the ground
that there would be too great distance between the
officers, if they wished to meet often.
Gen. BURROUGHS said that the railroads con,OIefa-
y severed time and hoped he would not oppose it on
those grounds.
The question on the adoption of Gen. Busben's re-
solution was taken up and adopted.
The committee of the whole then rose and report
ed progress; after which they adjourned until half
past two O'Clock, p. M.
EVENING SESSION.
The Convention met at half past oclock-the
hour appointed.
On motion, the Convention went into commit
tee of the whole for the purpose of considering the
bylaws and constitution.
On motion of Col. RICHARDSON three officers were
added to the number OF thirty, in order to form .
quorum.
On the question of bylaw No. l, that every mem.
Der should, while the Convention was sitting, wear
the State uniform there were several amendments Of
fered, and it was finally amended by reading unless
he have good reason therefor.
The committee of the whole then reported, and
the report was adopted.
The committee on resolutions then reported and
after a few moments deliberation, the report was
adopted
Whereas The militia laws of the State of New York as
they exist at present difficult of construction in
seqence of their number and great differences of opinion
arise as 10 what portions have or have not been repealed
therefore
Resolved That the Legislature be most respectfully re-
qucsted TO pass joint resolution authorizing the Cover
to appoint two commissioners whose duty II shall be-
in connection with the Adutant General to cody amend
and alter the militia laws of the State except the act
atve the First Division so as to embody them in one
act properly divided and sub divided into appropriate
construed and understood and that such commissioners
be restricted in their amendments merely to the Details
and not to the general principles Of the present law
Resolved That the Legislature be respectfully requested
opass such joint resolution practicable
enable such commissioners to submit their report and
have the same acted upon during the present session
Resolved That the secretaries this convention cause
copy of this preamble and resolutions to be transmitted
to each Of our Senator's and members Of Assembly.
Resolved, That in the opinion Of the convention the
amendments to the militia law contained in the bill
which passed the Assembly, at the session of 1851 with
great unanmity are right and proper and coincide with
the views Of all connected with the militia of the State
Resolved That as citizen soldiers set apart to the dis
charge Of duties under the law, wish to emulate the
honor conferred by faithful discharge of duties
officers and department citizens and whilst from the
experience OF the past year. we find encouragement to
hope for more perfect organization Of the militia this
State looking to the people for their counenance and
support and to the honorable the Legislature for the
acment Of such laws as, in their united wisdom they
may deem expedent for the support and maintenance of
our State militia. until the Empire State boast of its
reliable citizen troops, competent and reliable for the
maintenance OF law ana order at hOme as well as to pun
ish insult from abroad.
Colonel LANSING moved that they should then re-
solve themselves into an association. This motion
was of course carried.
A vote of thanks was then rendered to the officers
who presided on the occasion.
The Convention then organized themselves into an
association, and the election Of officers took place.
which resulted as follows:- President, General Swan;
Vice Presidents Generals Randall Spicer, Durham
and Benty; Treasurer Colonel lansing; Secretaries,
General Duryea and Captain Chaplin.
On notion the Convention then adjourned, to
hold their next annual meeting at Albany, on the
second Tuesday in January next