The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-16

y,
men, armed drilled and disciplined ready to respond
to their country's CALI Assuming that with the excep
at the facts That report embraces the nuber Of
the State 1855 capable of bearing arms and instead
Of 267 co. we have not one thousand uniformed ana
TO exertion pay but little attention TO military matters;
and the whole system has fallen into disuse and decay
This is not an isolated instance by any means. Well
says friend, "admtng that to be the fact, we all
know that We have the most military spirit OF any peo-
pie the globe, and if assaied the whsle nation
would fly to arms. Look at the Revolution look at
Mexcon sWell," we ask, "what do you proven "Why,
that people Of between three and four millions can
successfully combat with Great Britain OF
nations the earth march through country
with small army lighting against the odds our men en-
countered in Mexico, that now, when we have thirty
millions Of people, We are equal to any emergency
Very true but does not also prove that had the men
Of the Revolutions added 70 the advantage Of lighting on
them enjoyed at the outset the advantages OF thorough
organization and discipline the war Of seven years might
been brought 10 termination in half that timer
Or does dsprove the fact that army in Mexico was
indebted for its efficiency to the labor OF educated and
competent officers without whose services the volunteers
would have been but little better than an armed mob,
and their vaor, great rs it was, would not have ensoed
them TO combat successfully against even the partially
friend again. .you win admit that the men, by the aid of
educated officers, made good soldiers in the Eeld
Of officers nowf' 1Undousteily, and il men were
again required for foray Of the same naturerequirng
comparatively small number OF men-we should not
realize the incomplete nature Of our militia system more
than do at present; but wars with Mexico with Kan.
and with Utah don't constitute the full measure OF
our liabilities. Why do appropriate immense sums to
ory coasts and for the manufacture Of arms and
Munitions Of WARP Is not proof that the policy OF our
government while decidedly opposed to standing armies
still recognizes the necessity OF preparation for any
emergency Yes. On whom are we TO depend TO man
these forti1caons and these armsY On the mtia,
most economical and the best policy? To wait until the
necessity Oyertakes u.s. and then rely upon the masses or
whose very numbers would prove their destruction or
shall relce this harum institution to syste
matte economical and available organization, whose
discipline will enable them with one-half the
number, TO accomplish double the amount of SER
vice to that OF the mob win any statesman who
has examined this matter say that the maintenance
Of limited but sufficient militia az the main
defence and reliance OF country for protection against
invasion for enforcement Of the laws and all ordinary
purposes for which in all countries, greater less
number Of troops are occasionally necessary, Is not
Of the highest importance to security And
II is known that this militia properly organized can,
In times Of peace, be engaged in doing great good by
dyerng the attention o. our young men from inc poPu
constitute almost their only recreation, and opening
TO them the means OF physical exercise and social inter-
course which, surrounded by the proper safeguards will
result In the Development manly and independent
r While wishing that il might take national character
permanent and reliable institution, Invested of all its
Objectionable features compelled TO acknowledge
our esent system does no general good and for its
true purposes Is yalueles,a nonentity1and therefore
edly true yet II cannot well be remeded, has been
for years and our people don't see the necessity Of
shose who join and does them permanent good and,
therefore, there nducement for any to devote
NOW we have arrived al the issue precisely With the
first assertionI decidedly disagree With the second
compelled TO Coincide and this Is the reason why no
evidence shown by the Of staunch citizens in
wanting militia not because they do not recognise the
Importance Of H. but because is diverted from its true
purposes and does good TO the country its
members. Nov believe that the moment the military
sprt turned In the direction and becomes
81 AL who connect the nsclyes with H. the pub
IL L
cen he done know we have abundance OF spirit, and
that militia organizations susceptible Of being made
neacuaby beneficial TO the young men OF the country;
that the best class Of citizens 10 the country would soon
OH lis ranks that il may he raised TO the dignity of
necessary and beneficial public institution that men,
bershp may become guarantee Of responsibility, and
command the guarantee of ability and consideration.
il his country 70 do all in his power 10 aid in the es
Enlistment a0d maintenance Of its institutions and all
the safegundslpd supports which surround and uphold
II. some men have great abilities and splendid talents
and they devote themselves the conduct OF govern
mcnt others TO the establishment Of literature;
others 10 the development Of tho OF the
try others, again, 10 army. The importance Of all
these pursuits recognized and they give power wealth
and nor But seems 10 feel encouraged TO de-
vote himself TO the work OF bringing about n change in
this matter, partly because there seems immediate
acalics which stand IN the wayalthouch ali uni ie IL
saying that "f these things be done, il
- worth the aeor Of any man Knowing
will the public approval and that il only
requires determined, persistent movement 10 awaken
10 its support Of greater and sufficient ability 20 ia
sure a SUCCESSFUL recognition and ultimate success
cevotng my scf 10 the extent Of my ability 70 the work
Your people New York and others who appreciate this
matter in Massachusetts, and other states bored
must be commenced nj the fountain head order that
oil tho states may unite md be benefited alike by it.
inquired o. Colonel Ellsworth what measures he
thought would be calculated the changes be sug
sss and he showed drafts q laws the manuscripts Of
half written books and various memoranda the result OF
FIVE years hard labor From these am permitted 10 alb
saci the following points in tue proposed reconstruction
or the volunteer militia q the United States
First An change The present system and the
recognition OF the real importance Of the militia, and
their true relation 10 the army.
second. Measures which elevate the standing Of the
militia, by limiting the number IL each State by opening
membership to only those who VIII comply with certain
reasonable requirements, which guarantee the suppress
tsn Of the present Objectionable features Of military
bodies
Third. To make Il object for good class OF men to
take hold by general adherence to these principles and
ny adding 20 the benefits Of the exercise TO be derived by
the establishment Of gymnasums, reading rooms, libra
res and lectures In connection with the organization and
exemption from certain duties.
Fourth. 10 debar from officer and command all ON
peten Tersons-in short, making membership cquiva-
lent TO guarantee Of responsibility and command an
evidence Of ability thus removing the only barrier that
has existed between the officers OF the army and militia
and leading the 70 cordial cooperation and unity Of
Fnh A change IL the present ny m Of appointment.
on Ca0e0 70 the ACancmy, Ovding Tor the
pointment Of tAose who selected from the cadet or
Fanizaions On 10 part OF HE plan 10 introduce q sys-
tematc dr exercise INTO the schoos for their gu.
peror ability and requiring theee men, from the time OF
their entrance INTO the army until they attain The rrade
OF captain, appointed 10 duty, to spend certain
portion 81 their time say one or two months n each
year IN the district from which they appointed In
lnstructng the militia ohcers, thus dissemIa ng the
benest OF the Military academy throughout the entire
militia Organization.
sxth Giving the militia the right 81 occupailor and
fa practice 81 al Available tinted States fortified
tom.
seventh The introduction % q cheap ecoromlcal and
scryiccable unfcrm anil urorm system Of armng The
militia, and The ntrodac q Uniform system q dri
throug hont thu militia
Issssd how 4 was psssiole 70 bring about all ihsse
changes. And he rspsec, that a cord be dene ny
the establishment u nsp~rtnent q Militia 81 The head
quarters ~ the army the c~oers o which should act Ia
concert With ne Aaiasan, General. n Me states and
should devote hemseve- " ne accomplishment q those
snds Tne frst step .osla Ne 10 put.h and clrealate