Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-04-26

| the President, ovailed myself Of the Con
stiutional provision for converting the Gen
! cral Assembly in an Extra Session not
/ doubling that you, gentlemen, representing
the universally expressed patriotism Of the
! citizen, of this State, viii make all noce,
sary appropriations and provisions for de.
frayiug the expenses already incurred and
carrying into execution further measures
for placing our Military quota at the ser
! vice of the General Government.
/ Couceiving 10 immincntly probable that,
/ at au carly day, further calls will be made
upon this State for troops, ! respectfully
call your attention to the Importance Of
adopting immediate measures for more
efficient organization of the military arm Of
the State
During the long interval of peace which
we have enjoyed, while our citizens have
been uninterrupted in their lawful indus
trial pursuits, the importance of a military
organization and discipline has been lost
sight Of Our laws in relation to the militia
have been subjected, during nearly a quar-
ter Of a century, TO numerous isolated
amendments and alterations, until as a
code, they are disoiuted, complicated, and
altogether too cumbrous for the basis of
q rcgrlor and effective organization
therefore recommend that the Legislature
should promptly remedy these defects, and
T adopt such enactments as shall provide,
effectively. for organizing, arming and
cquippmg the militia of the State, and for
reasonably compromising the officers and
privates, when required to meet for cxer-
. else and drill
l desire, also TO urge upon you the duty
of making contingent appropriations Of
+ money, to ba expended under the direction
of the Executive, for the outfit Of any ad
dih0nal military forces which may be call
led fox by tle General Government
The occasion is an extraordinary one.
Intelligence reaches Us, that the Virginia
convention Of delegates, elected under the
express provision that any ordinance ad-
opted hy them, should De submitted TO the
people for their approval or rejection, has.
.iu secret session, passed an ordinance Of
secession, and that the Governor Of the
state has assumed TO order the seizure OF
the United States forts, arsenal and vessels
within the limits Of that State.
The Federal capital is menaced By an
imposing and well armed military force.
and the Government itself, and the nation
al archives, are in imminent peril
Such is the emergency, in view Of which
invoke your immediate action The
Legislatures Of other States have made lib
eral appropriations and extensive military
arrangements for aiding the Government.
and their citizens are Fastening to the res
cue of our counuy's flag. We shall dis
credit our past history should We, in thi,
crisis, suffer Vermont to be behind her Sis
ter tates, in her patriotic sacrifices for the
preservation OF the Union and the Const
tuition
/ / feel assured, Gentlemen, that you will
best reflect the sentiments and wishes of
your constituents, by emulatng, in your
legislative action, the patriotism and lib
crafty of the noble States which have al
ready responded to the call of the Gov.
ernmcnt
II is dcyoudy to be hoped that the mad
ambition Of the secession leaders may be
restrained, and the impending sanguinary
conflict avcrted. But a hestatng. half
way policy on the part Of the administra
ton of the loyal states, will not avail to
produce such a result.
The United States Government must be
sustained and the rebellion suppressed, at
whatever cost Of men and treasure: and il
remains TO be seen whether the vigorous
f preparations that are being made and the
immense military force called into service
10y the President, are not the most probable
and certain measures for a speedy and sue
cessfu solution Of the question
May that Divine Being, who rules q
mong the nations, and directs the affairs Of
men, interpose by His merciful Providence,
and restore TO us again the blessings Of
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