Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-09-08
THE REVIEWS.

THE REVIEWS
The annual reviews have passed off in manner
more noteworthy than usual. We have never
seen more lively spirit manifested, or more
earnest endeavor on the part of those entrusted
NTH command to discharge the duties which their
positions impose and consequently, all parties
have never, in our day, acquitted themselves
more agreeably and handsomely. Our commen-
dations are, of course, not to De taken without
Qualification A.; for, the many and glaring imper-
fections Of our militia system forbid more than an
honest effort to approach, in some degree, the
standard which ought to mark the conduct OF
ell.organized citizen.soldiery. We do not ex-
pect the erect bearing, the measured tread, the
prompt movement, the mathematical exactness,
and the tried skill of the veteran. We look for a
becoming spirit, an honest discharge Of duty as
far as possible and only for that meagre training
which our system permits. When these are ex-
hibited, we are content; and when they are car
ried to the utmost, we are gratifed and encoura
ged to hope for the future. And these are the
feelings proper to after witnessing the reviews
at Ebenezer and at Yorkville.
With, perhaps, single exception, the Indian
Land Regiment is the best trained in the Brigade;
and their Colonel, ALLISON, who has made Of the
science lifetime study, is the most admirable
drill-of6cer within our acquaintance. The per-
fcrmauces at Ebenezer were in keeping with this
enviable reputation. In the upper Regiment, Col.
F1roHErT and his Majors were comparatively un-
tried and yet their evolutions on the day of re-
view were equal to any we have seen on their
parade ground. This is unstinted praise, but it
is we'll deserved. Much of the effect Of the days
performances, however, was contributed by Maj.
JENKINS beautifully trained corps Of Cadets
Nothing can exceed the order, the regularity OF
movement, the exact discipline, in word, the
thorough military bearing, of the Kings Mountain
Corps. We imagine their trainingis as perfect as
the science can make it, and we would look for
nothing superior in the ranks of veteran COM
pany. These young soldiers are to US, for their
age and opportunity, veritable wonder
Our popular and efficient General was, as in du-
ty bound, promptly at his post, exhibiting his ac-
customed interest in the service, and by his man
" and high.toned bearing and thorough accom-
plishments as an officer winning the golden op'n
ions of both rank and file. We regret to learn
that he contemplstes resignation OF his commis
sion. and We here, in the name Of our portion OF
the Brigade, most emphatcally protest against It,
We are not often fortunate enough to obtain
commanding officer who, besides possessing in
high degree the accomplishment which pertain
specially to the military war; exhibits so eminent
" the tone and bearing Of that most envlaoie
character well-bred gentleman; it is pub
lie loss to be deprived of the services OF such an
officer We trust that sober second thought
will persuade the General to extend the Offices
which are so entirely acceptable and satisfactory
TO those under his command, and to afford them
the opportunity to confer upon him the higher re-
wards which he has earned and ought to wear
In his address to the Regiment, the General
stated his reasons for ordering the parade at
Yorkville rather than at moro central point,
and we presume they were sufficient to satisfy the
most complaining. The soldier chooses the best
ground, the most advantageous position possible;
and as the only possible parade-ground was at
Yorkville Of course the conclusion was inevitable.
In view of this difficulty, his suggestion ought to
be needed The Regiment ought to buy their
owR parade ground, have it well chosen and kept
in first-rate repair. 1t can be had at triAing
cost-an amount which can easily be secured by
subscription. We hope Col. FITcHETT will carry
out this suggestion forthwith, while the spirit is
In motion.
1t was point with US, while attending the Re-
views, to elicit the sentiment Of the officers in re-
gard to the contemplated reforms in the system.
Without dssentive voice they, regard the pres
ent system as furnishing the only proper method
of securing the end in view, and to render it more
efficient, they think should be the object of legs-
lation And they propose that the Legislature
shall REQUIRE the commissioned and non commits
stoned officers of each Battalion to go into camp
once year for drill and instruction; and subse-
quently, every year, each Regiment to undergo
as a body, the same process-thus affording ample
opportunity lUT tUUSc III W oS3o'iS 'H"s
thorough training without which it is impossible
to attain the desired result. With well trained
officers, the system can be made efficient enough
for all practical purposes. The reform proposed
would render necessary considerable outlay
from the public treasury; but we are inclined to
think that the hitherto meager appropriations to
the militia organization furnish the real clue to
the failure of the system, and that no change will
be effected until the State consents to supply ma
terial aid to the work.
At the close of the reviews at Ebenezer, and in
Yorkvlle, the crowd were addressed by our Rep
resentative in Congress, Hon. W. W. BoYcE. 9th
er duties prevented US from hearing either of
these addresses, and we have not been able as
usual, to procure an abstract.
--<e0e~--------
MIR. BOYCE'S SPEECH.
The Charleston Mercury published in ertenso the
speech of our Representative at Ebenezer, last