The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1859-11-29
We Must Prepare.

Several years ago we had District meetings, and
Vigilance Committees were appointed in the different
sections OF our District but these, like every thing
else of the kind with u.s. soon had their and died
out for want of vitality and interest, and have
kot the first eGectise organization, either military or
otherwise in the whole District; and, in ofan
emergency; where would our people 60, and what
would they do? Are we sumbering over the volcano
which is ready to heaye out its lava Of red hot wrath
upon us? Or we perfectly Secure? If secure,
then of course there is need Of preparaton those
who counsel it are visionary alarmists and wise ones
C) may write US down as fools.
But we arc in danger, and what we mean by our
not having an efectire organization is ths,-that in
case Of alarm where strict and efficient police would
be necessary there is not the first raying point spe
cially designated even among the Military Companies
or those whose particular duty it would be to that
life and property were protected
We think, by all means, every Military Company, at
least those which rendezvous at Camden, ought to be
properly organized for action. Even the Light In
fantry" or "Rife Guards" which presumed to he
composed of minute men, in no condition at present.
in case their services were Unexpectedly required
petent officers, would be in sad dilemma if they
called suddenly into active service with arms accou-
tremcns, &C, scattered all over the couatry.
How many guns Of the Camden Beat Company
could be fired?
Where. and in what condition is our Ordnance? \
few slawart blows would level our Magazine to the
ground The Rifles of the "Infantry' and "Guards, !"
with the swords Of the Cavalry, are piled hotchpoch
behind the doors and in the Of stores which,
in case of confusion and alarm, had better be in the
bottom of tire ocean than remain where they are.
We have grown too careless and the Military spirit
and organization of our State has long been allow
ed to droop and die out giving just cause to its oppo-
nents for CHASING it among the veres humbugs OF the
day 1t heed not be a humbug. If it is ever made
one the fault lies with those who have not the intel-
rcnce to comnrehend the first rudimeut in the school
Of the soldier
It's a capital system if properly carried out by
eompetent men, who will do their duty. We trust that
brighter day is dawnnS wIcu competency will be the
test and Military knowledge and merit the standard
We ought to have thorough and efficient re-organ-
zaton, and no man should be allowed to wear epau-
lette or sword who has not the intelligence PRIDE and
courage to make good officer
We suggest that meeting of the Military officers
Of the Battalion or Regiment be held, and let there be
some definite understanding to What course should
be pursued under certain circumstances.
We are not disposed to find fault unnecessarily; our
remarks arc intended to be general and VIC think til"
propricty and justice Of these suggestions will STRIKE
every candid mind
We want now and must have OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
thing definite and reliable to which may look w;tl
confidence for tic protection Of our omcs and fire.
sides.
Let every man able to bear arms enroll himself in
some e0iccntmiltary corps w arms I" has oca "aa"S
reay yr us and these companies oficcred By men oil
known military skill and courage, seo TO it that every
soldier properly armed equipped and drilled ready
for arr md eyer; emergency ".l.,a ma "t.-e. We
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