Litchfield enquirer., 1861-06-13
Our New Haven Correspondence.
 NEW HAVEN, June II, 1861.

Our New Haven Correspondence.
 NEW HAVEN, June II, 1861.
 DEAR EsouIREn.-The subject which ought chiefly to occupy the attention of the good peo- pie of Connecticut at the present time is certain iy fhs comfort and e0scieney ef her troops. Com pared with this all local matters sink into nsig- nificance. We can't afford time to attend to the little details of petty squabbles and patry econ- omy, which generally absorb so much of the time of our State Government On this account the debate in the House on Saturday seems un- worthy the State and the times. Men were found to oppose one measure because it was ex- pensive; another because it was unnecessary, and demanding that it should be proved concul- sively to them, that every cent of the sum pro- posed was absolutely required, and to be expend- ed in the spirit of the most parsimonious econo- my before they would vote for it.
 Now this is nonsense. This State must pour out her money like water in the present crisis. The same spirit that prompts her to be lavish, will caution her to expend her resources to the best advantage, but never ought she to falter for moment on account of desire to Tighten tax ation. It is our reproach already, as a State. 1 that our Parsimony has cost us more than it has saved; now let us emulate the glorious example of Massachusetts, and learn how wise liherality is truly wise economy. Connecticut ought to establish military camp, she ought to furnish all her militia with the best improved arms, she ought to arrange for the thorough education of her officers in time of peace, she ought to pro- vide most literally for all her sons who 20 to the war. These things will cost, and we must make ap our minds to tt. 1t IS well enough to talk about saving money in cases where money is the most important con- sideration involved, but never to presume to weigh it in the balance with national safety. honor and justice.
 | Yet the most atomanable practices are allowed by the authorities to prevail, for the sake of economy. Troops were ordered from New Haven to Hartford, although the latterwas farther from the scene of action, and in every respect an im- proper place; and when the people cried out against such an exhibition of local prejudice, it was replied " Hartford is cheaper Z" Troops l Wretcleu coutrements, but might not complain, because these were got cheap! The Fourth Regiment was encamped in swamp near by pool exhal- ing poisonous malaria, because the lease of that land was cheap! And at last they were sent off yesterday in two steamboats down along the shallows and shoals of the Connecticut River, mourning certain delay of hours and the haz- ard of days, at time when moments tarrying may lose us "a battle, bucause this method of transportation is cheap! At this moment mili- tary companies all over the state are drilling with pitchforks, broomsticks, hoe-handles, any, aford to give them muskets. The offices of Col. and Staff go begging for suitable men bee, use Connecticut has had cheap militia system, and cheap men to manageit it.
 | It is fact that the chief embarrassment of the Executive at the present time, is the want of | suitable officers. Among the crowds of men dignifcd with the titles of Gen. Col Maj. ard tho like, few are seen to have the qualifications of an officer in the regular service, and the re- commentators of influential civilians of course weigh but little in favor of applicants. The case of Col. Arnold who has recently resigned his com ssion in the Third c. V has made the Governor cautious about receiving a military | title as an index of military knowledge. Arnold | was Maj or General of our militia but showed | himself incompetent to manage regiment of volunteers. His resignation was so gladly re- ceived that though he elegruphed a short time after the first message not to accept it, le was | told that he was loo tde, his successor was al- ready appointed. The Lieut. Col, also hif h militia officer, manifested such insubordnation that he was kept under arrest by Gen. Tyler for several days, and will probably be dcposed from his com4pand. Gov. Buckingham is now in Washington investigating these matters and will do what he can, but if he wants more officers of have to create them.
 As an instance of the etched Restitution of military equipments here, can state that t'icre arc not lO3 muskets in the city. The Governors Guards have in their possession about 50 old arms of the 1889 pattern, very rickety and very heavy. These are let by the Guards for money to the various new companies now formed here, and so great is the rage for drilling that the company are said to make $50 per week by the | operation.
 have recently heard of an important political movement on the part of certain hungry politi- clans, who have been s'laying low'' for some time watching for 8 prey, and who now are plot ting for reaction of public sentiment against the war, their only hope of political salvation. l am Hot at liberty to enter into details, but your readers may look for denouement soon, and be prepared to resist something very like