The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-06-01

The approach of the period appointed by law
for the next general parade of the Volunteer COM
panes composing the First Light Division of Ma
ryland Militia, serves to recall to public attention
the state OF the various military organizations ex-
lsslng in this city. As we are well aware there
has been great improvement in this respect
within the past few months Public interest in
the subject which had nearly died out has once
more revived. Old companies have picked up
considerable additions TO their numbers and
new corps has been organized which bids fair to
make the Oldest look well to its laurels. We re-
Ter to the Mary land Guard, which has been lately
incorporated into the 53rd Regiment, and which
already comprises four companies, while fifth
is in process of formation Although but a
lew months have elapsed since their organization
The members of the Guard have already attained
nigh degree of efficiency and familiarity, both
Win the manual and the various evolutions of
company and battalion drill. The appearance of
Inc corps on the occasion of the last law parade
was creditable in the extreme, and those who have
witnessed the nightdriil of the companies, either
at their armory the street, can bear witness
to the steadiness and precision with which the va
rous movements executed. II this evinces
panstaking zeal and attention on the part of the
officers and laudable spirit of application and
perseverance on the part of the men. Both have
made liberal sacrifices Of their time and labor for
the pnrpose-and both deserve every praise
ana encouragement. The Importance of hav-
ing body of volunteer soldiers at the
command of the authorities, upon whose 10y
atty and discipline implicit reliance may be
piaced, IN case of emergency can hardly be
oVer-sta'ed. The experience of other large cities
Tue experience of our own community during the
past four years-aford abundant illustration of
TINS fact; while the material of which tie Guard
Is composed, is a guaranty that no reliance which
may be reposed in 1t will be misplaced In New
York, the volunteer spirit is not only encouraged
by legislation-it is fostered by the stimulus of
public encouragement, and so far as may be neces-
sary, sustained by liberal appropriations of the
public money. Hence New York boasts several
regiments, of whose appearance upon parade and
perfection IN drill she is justly proud-upon
whose services in time of danger and in the cause
oi Puohc order, she confidently counts-and fol
WHOSE comorI anu convenience she is at all times
ready to make every provision. Thus. lately 9
spacious armory has been procured and fitted ur
by Inc municipality for the use of the differen
regiments, while in laying out her great Park
their wants have not been overlooked in the re
servation of space for Parade Ground w,
wish that similar spirit of wise liberality pos
sessed the authorities and the public here. 1t i
discredtabe to both that an organization such al
the Maryland Guard is admitted to be, should III
to this time, have been unable to procure a suita
BILE stand of arms. The muskets used by The
battalion for the purpose of drill are old ones, be-
longing to dsbanded company, and of these
there are not enough to arm all the men. When
the battalion appears on parade, arms have to be
narrowed for the occasional dozen here, and Q
dozen there. This was the case at the last parade
it will be the case again next week-the re-
heated applications of the Guard to the GOVERNOR
of the State, for supply of arms having produced
no result. This Is, of course, exceedingly dis
couraging; and should there be much further
delay about the matter, the dissolution OF the
corps is not an impossibility. 1t is because such
an event is, in our Judgment greatly to be depre-
Gated, and in the hope of stimulating the authorl-
ties to some active exertion for the purpose Of
complying with the reasonable demands OF the