Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-12-14
ofrY YrEss.

tyr MILlfIA-The ordnance to reorganzs the militia,
RECENTLY passed by the Convention will likely undergo
material notifications by the Legislature The main OBJ
eot of tho ordinance to provide against the reduc-
lion OF Virgnia contribution of soldiers 10 the Ooned-
crate aruy which would otherwise be oeoaoned BY tho
expiration of the term of service Of the twelve months
volunteers next Spring. To accomplish this desirab
OH ct the twelve months volunteers are virtually re-
rsd to enlist foe twelve months, whilst the active mi
4, If between the ages Of 81 aud 26 years. are 10 be
mustered in for the term Of three years. and tHeen the
aces of 90 and 81 years be mustered in for 1o years.
n IL were absolutely certain that this war would coz
tipue three years. the arrangement prescribed oy the
ordinance would be equitable and fAir, as between
voIrnteers now in service and thst portion OF the mi
uta hstUeen the ages OF q and 81. But, as II - by
no means certain that the Yankees will be able to pro
long the war beyond the present year. IL would De an
testify lust require the twelve mon rs volunteers no"
in the -d to for another term OF twelve months
Men who promptly rallied to the standard oil their
country a, the beginning Of the should be relieved
a. sooi rs practicable by those who remained behind
Az the same time it is obviously proper that the well
d.lcd force Of Virsiuians now u the li should not
be ci placed at once, by unframed and undsciphed
troops.
For the reasons above presented, We entertain the
opinion that the ordinance should be, at least so amend
ed as TO exempt volunteers from the practical require
ment Of rssHiismsal for one year They snouio now
ever have the option OF serving for four months or ger,
as volunteers or of taking their chances OF being DRAFT
cd with the militia for the term of sir months. By this
pau their aggregate term OF service would not exceed
eighteen months and by remaining In the service az
y,ntsers their term would not exceed sixteen months,
whilst the militia who had not previously served 10 the
aruv would be mustered in for two years. or longer, as
the Legislature might determine.
The advantages Of this plan are that the volunteers
now In service Injured TO the duties and hardshps Of
aoders life would remain In service lopg enough TO 90
through the summer campaign; that the militia would,
in the meantime be undergoing such training as would
Qualify thew to take the places Of volunteers. when
their term OF service should expire. We would thus
have in the field, for spring and summer operations,
combined force Of Virginia volunteers and militia Of
about 900 men, The number above the present
volunteer strength would depend upon the action which
the Legislature may take in respect to the mode Of draft
ing the militia The pan adopted by the Convention,
of dividing the militia into two Gases etc. will likely
be amended repealed by the Legislature but although
that plan Is free from objection, think it would
be exp dien for the Legislature or It's military coumt.
tees TO have before them the debate In the Convention
on this question If il failed TO enghten them il would
a. leas show them Il which influenced the Con-
yention TO adopt the elastic plan of bringing the
militia into service The debate taken down vsrba'
tim aud has doubtless been "wrtten out" by the re-
porter |; would be comparatively vaueess it withheld
from publication uut the Legislature has acted upon
the subject We presume that the Injunction Of secresy
was removed.
Whatever Is done with this militia bill should be done
with as little delay possible, ia order that the drafts,
or the "actiye class" may be drilling and otherwise pre-
pairing to take the field in the Spring.