The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1861-09-19

An error prevails in the minds of many
OF our citizens in regard to the object of the
Indiana Legion. They seem to suspicion
that there Ii design which does not appear
on the surface, to precipitate those who join
the Legion into actual service in the war,
before they are aware of it, and without
their consent. How so foolish an idea could
become so prevalent we are at loss to con-
ceive. That it is entertained by numbers
OF our citizens, is apparent to those who
have interested themselves in the organiza-
ton Of companies for the regiment to be
formed in this county. A more :mischiev-
GUS error never crept into our midst, and
it becomes every one interested in the de-
fence of our city, and its preservation from
any rowing baHds of marauders-who, al
lured by the desire for plumber, might at
tack US if they ascertained our unprotected
situation-to use every effort to eradicate it
The law for the formation of the Indian
Legion is merely an efficient military law
The old military laws proved to be of no
use whatever, the people paid no attention
to them, and the commissions issued by the
Governors brought ridicuIe rather than hon.
upon those who accepted them. The au-
thors of the bill for the formation of the
Legion, desired to arouse spirit of military
pride, and emulation among the young men
of the State, feeling assured that if they
could succeed in this, our State would ever
have noble, well equipped and drilled vol
unteer soldiery ready to defend ii in any
emergency. The appropriation made to
carry out the design of the law was liber-
al one, and if received in the right kind of
spirit, fully commensurate with the results
sought to be accomplished by it. The for
nation of camps are a necessity to perfect
our militia in the most delicate part of
soldiers duty. 1t is a well Rscertained
fact that more men die in camp than on the
field of battle, and wefe:the volunteers of
every State trained to camp life, as well as
in the manual of arms, we would hear
much less whining as to the manner in
which they are treated by their government
when in service, and far more efficiency in
the discharge of their duties. The man who
is unwilling 10 spend few days in the year
in camp, in order to perfect himself in ali
that goes to make up an efficient soldier, is
unworthy to be called an American citizen.
Especially is he unworthy to be called a
Hoosier, the proudest appellation that could
be dishonored
"But" says one, eff we join the Legion,
nbo A.
control of the Governor, and are liable to
be ordered at any moment, to march, we
know not where The Governor has power
to call out the militia to defend the State,
regardless of the Legion. Of course, if the
Legion is formed, he would call on that
first. He does not expect that organization
TO be composed of mean-spirited individu-
ais Who are willing to be soldiers in sun
shine but not Il storm. Besides, the
Governor has no more authority for order
ing the Legion out of the State than any
other volunteer companies. Our part of the
State is the only portion that is in the least
exposed. If our State is ever invaded. Ev-
ansville will bear the brunt of the attack.
1t certainly comes with a poor grace from
any of our citizens, to urge such pusillani-
IAous reasons for not joining the Legion.
We feelsmean in attempting to explain away
such frivolous objections.
We desire to see a regiment of the Leoion
formed in this county. We know the ma
teriai is abundant to fill two regiments
We desire to see Col. Blythe's regiment
composed OF men who will not stop to hunt
for the boundary lie of their township |
county or State, but of those who will be
only anxious as to the whereabouts of the
enemy If our Union neighbors on the |
other side of the river were assaulted. |
we would expect the Vanderburgh Legion
to be both ready and willing to march to |
their rescue.
Our city is not exempt from those who
style themselves pre-eminentIy peace
men," These gentlemen, or some of them.
at least, are most grievously tormented with
the prospect that the Legion will be organ
lied. They are emphatically for independ-
ent companies. A couple of months ago,
when an effort was made to organize reg
ment or battalion for the Legion, these busy
bodies were quite active in the organization
Companies When they sue {
ceeded in thwarting the wishes Of the friends s
OF the Legion, and prevented its formation.
their zeal for Independent Companies soon :
died out We notice that now another Of !
fort is being made to raise the regiment ;,
these same gentry are out again with their !,
plans for Independent Companies We have :.
'ur eyes upon them. We have invariably :,