Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-19


which surround and uphold il. Some men
have great abilities and splendid talents, and
they devote themselves TO the condact OF our
government; Others 70 the establishment Of
our literaIure others to the deyelopement Of
the resources Of the country; others, again,
20 our army. The importance of all these
pursuits is recognized, and they give power,
wealth and h9nor. But no one seems to
feel encouraged to devote himselft TO the work
Of bringing about change in this matter,
partly because there seems no immediate
prospect Of reward and because OF the over
whelming difficulties which stand in the way
although all unite in saying that " If these
things can be done, it Is worth the labor OF
any man. Knowing this, yet believing that
every step in the right direction will meet
the public approval, and that il only requires
a determined, persistent movement to awaken
attention 10 the Importance OF the matter, and
bring to 5 support men of greater and
sufficient ability TO insuFe a successful re-
cognitiOn and ultimate success, think that
can best fulfil the measure of my duty by
devOting myself to the extent Of my ability
to the work. Your people in New York,
and others who appreciate this matter in
Massachusetts and other States, have labored
very hard and accomplished great deal; but
the work must be commenced at the fountain
head; in order that all the States may unite
and be benefited alike by it.
/ inquired Of Colonel Ellsworth what
measures he thought would be calculated to
effect the changes be suggests, and he showed
drafts OF laws, the manuscripts of half writ
ten books, and various memoranda, the re-
suit OF Eve years hard labor. From these
am permitted to abstract the following points
in the proposed reconstruction of the volun-
teer militia of the United States -
First. An entire change in the present
system, and the recognition OF the real inn
portance OF the militia, and their true rela-
tioa to the army.
Second. Measures which elevate the stand
ing OF the militia, by limiting the number in
each State, by opening membership to only
those who viii comply with certain reasons-
ole requirements, which guarar tee the sup
preston Of the present Objectionable features
Of our military bodies.
Third. To make it an object for good
class OF men to take hold, by general adj
herence TO these principles and by adding to
the benefits Of the exercise to be derived by
the establishment Of gymnasiums, reading
rooms, libraries and lectures in connection
with the organization, and an exemption
from certain duties.
Fourth. To debsr from Offices and command
all incompetent persOns--in short, making
membership equivalent to a guarantee of res
pectabilitv, 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 way to a cordial
cooperation and unity of feeling.
Fifth. A change in the present system of
appointment of cadets to the Military Acade-
my, providing for the appointment of those
who are selected from the cadet organiza.
tions Gt is a part of bis plan to introduce a
systematic drill as an exercise into the schoOls)
for their superior ability and requiring these
men, from the time of their entrance into the
army until they attain the grade OF captain,
or are appointed to duty, to spend a certain
portion of their time, say one or two months
in each year, in the district from which they
were appointed, in instructing the militia
officers, thus disseminating the benefit of the
Military Academy throughout the entire mil
itia organization.
Sixth. Giving the militia the right of oc-
EuphllJu anu use lUE pkuGliSG vi tlAA AFulldRlC
United States Notifications.
Seventh. The introduction Of a cheap, eco
nomical and serviceable uniform, and uni
form system of arming the militia, and the
introduction of uniform system of drill
throu, ghout the militia.
asked how it was possible TO bring about
all these changes And he replied, that It
could be done by the establishment of De-
partment of Militia at the head quarters of
the army, the officers of which sno1ld act in
concert with the Adiutant Generals Of the
States, and should devote to the accomplish
ments Of these ends. The first step would be
to publish aud circulate from this department
a complete set of works particularly adapted
to the militia. This would lead to concert
Of action among the militia, and result in the
passage, FIRST of the necessary laws BY the
general government and then in a uniform
system oflaws throughout the States, which
would make the project success.
Although Col. Ellsworth had held these
views, and had been laboring to develope and
perfect his plau for five years, yet his extreme
youth made him hesitate about thrusting
them forward. After he had matured his
plans, about year since, he laid out his pro-
gramme to bring them into effect. The first
step was to demonstrate the practicabIlity Of
such of his ideas as could be demonstrated
through the medium OF a limited organiza-
ton. Hence the organization of the Zonaves
and their brilliant success. After their re-
turn to Chicago, having accomplished that
portion of his programme, the next step was
to bring the establishment of the Military
Department in connection with the War De-
partment, in order to bring about the other
portions of the programme. To gain the
necessary influence, he being on the wrong
side of politics, it was necessary to gain posi-
ton and bide his time. So forming an or
ganization for the Zouaves which opened the
way for the study Of batillion eVolu6ons and
yhe formation of a regiment at the proper
time, officered exclusively by the Zouave5, he
left them and came to Springfield and COM
menced the study of law.
Col Ellsworth, in addition to his law
studies, is now engaged in writing book
especially adapted to the use of the militia,
giving all the details ofmilitary organization,
for formation of military corps, selection of
officers, necessary forms, &c; choice of arms,
uniforms, &c; directions for the manufacture
of uniforms and care of arms, forms of pa
rades, and everything connected Herewith /;
instructions for camp duties, all matters con-
nected with military affairs; also another
book adapted for selfinstruction, containing
all the drill Of the infantry and light infantry
-skirmishing and bayOnet drill, direction
for instruction and use of the sword, a system
of military gymnastics, direction for use of
arms-in fact q complete compendium Of
everything pertaining to the militia that can
be useful and available.
The Colonel showed me a lithographic
pattern of new uniform just completed. He
has been experimenting until be thinks he
has obtained uniform that will meet gene
raj appreciation. 1t is pronunced by all ex-
perienced officers who have seen it as superb
or for all purposes Of economy, comfort and