Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-02-16

We copy from the Enquirer of yesterday, the follow
ing article relating to the Public Guard. The simple
presentation OF the facts as stated by our eontem-
porary seems TO Us asucieut to the legislation
asked for. We might ourselves prefer the conversion
Of the establishment into Military School, but if the
Legislature prepared for this they should not
hesitate TO place the Guard as organized, in con-
dton Of thorough efficiency For this there are album
dint apart from those which have influenced
that body in their action upon questions referring to the
defence OF the State against external danger The fol-
lowing is the article of the Enquirer:
In connection with the deeuces Of our State, this
corps is Of very essential Importance first because 1t
protects our arms and armory at the metropolis Of the
State guards penentary where there are about POO
prisoners; and, secondly because, being on duty at all
times, both night and day is ready to act instantly
when every minute NAV be important, affordng check
until other corps can be rallied.
These were the views presented at the organization OF
this corps fifty years ago and these views hold good now
but with teutOld more force At its origin this compa-
ny by State law placed under the same rules and reg
uatious articles Of war modes Of punishment pay and
allowances, with those OF the L. ; Army, and all laws
Of Congress changing these changed also those OF the
Public Guard When, however, the new Code was adopt
ed the pay and allowances then existing, were liked
and made independent of those of the General Govern
compelled 70 the pay and allowances OF Its men
Of the army because such has been the great change In
the value of money, would not enlist at old rates
viii they any longer enlist in the Public Guard and
hence this corps few years ago so efficient IN numbers
and discipline 70 elicit the commentator OF veterans
now reduced in numbers and MATERIAL Solow as to very
seriously threaten its Reorganization.
'Meu viii not enlist for Eine dollars per month here
when if they fancy soldiers life, they can get better
pay and better allowances in the army OF the United
States az rendezvous always in our city, and their OBJ
ect is a means of living they can obtain better pay at
any Of our manufactures and upon all works requiring
labor i, was no doubt upon this state OF things that
Gov Wise in bis last message presented this subject to
the consideration Of the Legislature, in accordance with
which the Committee on Military Affairs have reported
bin in favor of the army pay and allowances which,
trust will meet the prompt action OF that body
n relation TO the number Of this company il found
70 be too small for the services required Of it, for after
sending daily 10 the Penitentary and the Capitol the
necessary sentnels there only 40 Left at the Armory
Surprising an TO be &c for duty defend this import
ant Dos-assasble in its surrounding extent for 1900
feet for the buildings erected work shops with
out any regard TO military defence. Again the men
have TO 90 on guard every day. thus-on guard to-day
for 81 hours OIL for hours, and the next a hours on
again This is very hard duty for the u hours they are
on guard they are up night and day ready for instant
action and the day they of guard they have police
fatigue and drill duties 70 attend TO.
sit seems then that something ought to be done and
as the bin ouly proposes efficient number Of 100 pr
Yates with army pay and allowances, again express
the hope that u viii meet the favorable consideration Of
the LEGISLATURE