, 1855-03-31
Organization Of the Militia.

by an ACT OF the last Legislative AS
sembly, published on the first page Of to-
days paper, provision was made for the
organization of the militia of the territory,
and we call the attention Of our readers to
the notice of Brig Gen. Gibbs, relative
thereto, which will be found in our adver-
tiSing columns.
Last year several disturbances occurred
as all we'll remember, in the neighborhood
Of Bellngham Bay, resulting in robbery
and murder, and near our borders in our
sister territory, the most ruthless atrocities
were committed on peaceGble immigrants
neither age nor sex having been spared,
and although congress has probably, at its
last session, increased its regular force some
four regiments, it is not probable that any
portion of that force can reach this exposed
portion of our domain until late in the sea-
son, and then not in sufficient time to pro-
tect us from possible emergencies.
There are rumors that the Northern In
dians design repetition OF their acts Of
rapine of last year, and as reports have
gained considerable credence, that, along
the immigrant route of the South Pass, the
Indians are generally hostile, prudence
would indicate that necessary prccaution-
ary steps should be taken by way of prep
aration to effectually resist any combina-
ton that they may form, to the end that
the Indians be chastised and reduced Ito
subsection.
The general war now raging in Europe
may, at any moment, involve our own coun-
try in war; and for our protection, not a
gun is mounted, not an embankmcnt of
earth is thrown up, and but two skeletons
of companies are stationed on the Sound,
and some three or four on the Columbia
River.
We must be prepared to protect our
selves, and our organizations should bo
such that volunteer force can, should oc-
casion require it, be detached against the
Indians, or be posted for the defence of
our waters and domain, against attack
from abroad.
We require, mainly cavalry, artillery
and riaemen. Cavalry for Indian purposes,
artillery for defence of our harbors, and ri
aemen in conjunction with both.
The planting of battery-thc mount
ing and the service of heavy guns, is per-
fectIy within our means. Tho officers Of
the army, stationed in our territory have
the professional information, and would, no
doubt, gladly lend their aid, and a few
days practice of our hardy and intelligent
citizens, would make them good artillerists.
The character Of the country west Of the
Cascades is peculiarly adapted to the rife
service, and our riAemen would soon be the
best in the world.
Against Indians east Of the Cascade
Mountains, troops, to be effective, must he
mounted on strong and enduring horses;
otherwise all attempts to chastise hostile
Indians, all of whom are well mounted,
will be abortive. In case Of a winter cam
paign, rinemen would be needed, who, lea
wing their horses at secure grass quarters,
can, on snow shoes, with packs on their
backs, ferret out the Indians in the mount
ain Businesses, and summarily punish them.
Our organization must be such that our
citizens can defend our harbors and pro-
tect our frontiers from Indian depredations.
Our militia must move faster than Indians,
both mounted and on foot. The Indians,
in short, should feel that neither SHOWS nor
cold will protect them from the arm Of JUS
tice.
1t is believed that suitable arms and
guns can be procured from the General
Government other in virtue of existing le-
gislation, or by special acts.