The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-03-13
Published by request of the Superintendent
A. DEFENCE OF MILITARY INSTITU-
TIONS,

TIONS.
By Cadet II. E. Shepherd Of the NJ C. Military Institute
1t is principle established by rhetoricans and
think self evident principle, that before undertaking
write upon any subject a thorough understanding of
that very essential Let US therefore in accord
with this principle, before undertaking vndica-
ton of Military Institutions endeaFor to seek out
correct definition for them as to have thorough
knowledge of their character. The adjective military
is derived from the latin miles, soldier, and may be
defined that which pertains to the science of war
warlke, becoming a soldier. The word "lnstitu-
ton is derived from the Latin Institute, and signifies
establishment that which is appointed, prescribed,
founded by authority and intended to be permanent
Thus speak of the institutions of Lycurgus, of
Moses 1t may also be defined organized society,
established either by law or by the authority of ndi-
viduals for promoting any object, public social.
Thus speak of a College Academy Liter
airy Institutions; a Bible Society, a benevolent
charitable institution a Banking company, an In
surance company is called commercial institution
Military Institutions may then be defined Institu
tons wherein the things pertaining the science of
taught and institutions of this character it is
object to undertake to vindicate in the present
essay.
The first argument which adduce in favor of mill
tary education is that it prepares young for the
peaceful pursuits of civil life, and at the time for
hardshps OF the camp and the storms Of battle The
citizen soldier is the guardian of his country While
the Monarchies of the old world sustained by i'm
mense standing armes-Russia 800 900, France and
Austria each 100000, Prussia 300, 900, and Eng
land about l50.OO0-the United States maintain n
and wounded in the two great engagements in the late
Italian campaign. Her naval force does not exceed
than 70 vessels at the utmost and yet there is no
power under heaven more feared and respected This
is to be attributed mainly to the military spirit and
independent character of our people Now undoubted-
y the best method of fostering this independence of
spirit is the extension of Military Institutions. is
the object of military education particularly ncu-
cate manliness and frankness of spirit and at the
time create feelings of love of country loyalty
to her constitution and obedience to her laws The
is IS 10 To he
the defenders of their country necessarily nstil
into them sentiments of love and for that
try Military Institutions, then are the best safe
guards for liberty and security. We think there is
analogy between the systems pursued in Military
Institutions and the republican form of government
Where every thing is confdcd the honor of those
connected with it, the result of such system must
necessarily be to inculcate high of honor and
high standard of integrity. The regular punctua and
systematic manner in which every thing is conducted
having certain time drill and exercise and a
time to study-must necessarily improve and develop
both mental and physical energies and at the same
time create habits of punctuality system and exact
The Formally, dignity and decorum attendant on
Military Institutions necessarily tend refine the man.
nerS; that all of mill education have ever
marked by an easy, graceful bearing, and
refinement and courtesy i'll the highest classes of
society. very strong argument in favor of the ut-
ty of Military Institutions furnished in the late
with Mexico Nearly all the regiments which per-
formed prodgies of valor those memorable fields,
were led on by officers whose first military aspirations
breathed the plains of West Point. Military
education double purpose; it prepares young
to become useful cirilians-to be first in the
Cabinet and first in the tented field. Give US, then,
say, military training and military education that
training which prepares young to be the guardians
OF their cOunythe true soldier, the best defender of
his country in peace and war-and which and
develops the noblest impulses in man. viz: love of coun
try loyalty to her constitution, and obedience her
laws
We regret say it, yet we fear it is undoubtedly
true that there is a time rapidly Fastening when
the importance of military training will be felt
than it has any time heretofore in countrvs his
tory. We fear no longer exclaim with the ex-
ulting pride of the old Roman, 81 am an American
citizen" The spirit of rs aud 1912 is gone. No more
the voices of patriotism heard in national! coun
ellis The patriotic Clay the great constitutional
pon and DEFENDER Webster and last OF all great
est, Cahoun-the logical senatorial Calhoun, who
loved his country yet preferred to sacrifice his country
rather than submit to oppression, invasion of
Southern rightsthese master spirits have passed away
and sectional discorG, and party strife and animosty
seem inevitably destined with rude and ruthless hand
to this fair fabric of government-this last
hope of lberty-and to desecrae with civil feud and
sectional warfare the soil consecraed by the bones
Washington, and rendered classic by battle fields, TO
which the palmest days of Grecian and Roman glory
and the widest dreams of fiction and furnish
not parallel.
The recent developments in neghborng State tend
to show the necessity of military education very strong
~ The long expected crisis is, fear, undoubtedly
approaching. The contest of 1860 will probably decide
the issue Then let every true son of the South pre-
pare meet the crisis We have adhered faithful
the Union, and we will mainsin allegiance the
last. While sincerely the noble sentiment
of Webster "Liberty and Union now and forever one
and inseparable,' still we think may say also with
South Cardinals great statesman "Liberty first, and
Union afterwards" We will not surrender our liberty
submit to oppression even for the Unions sake.
And particularly would we enjoin it every son of
that noble State which the first to burst the
of tyranny-whose soil drank the first blood split in
the cause of American Independence, which the
last to atx her seal to the Federal Constitution and
yet has been the most loyal awabiding and
tive-to prepare to meet the issue. And when that
time does come, the importance of military education
will be and felt, and very practical defence of
Military institutions be afforded
In conclusion, let US remember that the strongest
argument and the best evidence of the utility of Mill
tary Institutions that be furnished the world. is
the good conduct and upright behaviour of those
nected with them Let then be true to ourselves,
to duty land it must follow as the night the
day we cannot then be false to any man."