Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1861-04-13
Gov. Curtin's War Message.

Gcntlemen-As the period fixed for the
adjournment Of the Legislature is rapidly
approaching, | feel constrained by sense
of duty to call your attention to the con-
diton of the military organization of the
State. 1t is scarcely necessary to say more
than that the militia system of the State,
during long period distinguished by the
pursuits of peaceful industry exclusively,
has become wholly inefficient, aud the in
reference of the Legislature is required to
remove its defects, and to render it useful
and available to the public service.
Many of our volunteer companies do not
possess the number of men required by our
military law. and steps should be forthwith
taken to supply these deficiencies. There
are numerous companies, too, that are
without the necessary arms, and of the
arms that are distributed but few are pro-
vided with the more modern appliances to
render them serviceable.
recommend, therefore, that the Lcgis-
lature make immediate provision for the
removal of these capital defects that arms
be procured and distributed to those of our
citizens who may enter into the military
service of the State, and that steps be ia
ken to change the gu ms already distributed
by the adoption Of such well-known and
tried improvements as will render them ef-
+ fcctive in the event of their employment
in actual service.
In this connection, 1 recommend the
establishment of a military Bureau at the
! Capital, and that the militia laws Of the
| Commonwealth be SO modified and amend
ed as to impart to the military organization
Of the State the vitality and energy essen
tial to its practical value and usefulness.
Prec autions such as have suggested =,
are wise and proper at all times in Gov
ernmcnt like ours. But especial and mo
mentous considerations, arising from the
condition of public affairs outside the lin
its, yet of incalculublc consequence to the
people, and demanding the gravest atten-
tion Of the Legislature of Pennsylvania,
invest the subject to which your action is
invited, by this communication with extra
ordinary interest and Importance.
We cannot be insensble to the fact that
serious jealousies and divisions distract the
public mind, and that in portions Of this
Union the peace of the country, if not the
safety Of the Government itself, is endan-
gcred.
Military organizations of q formida bic
character, which seem not to be demanded
by any existing public exi9ency, have beer
formed i'll certain of the States. On what
ever pretexts these extraordinary military
preparations may have been made, no pur-
pose that may contemplate resistance tc
the enforcement of the laws will meet
sympathy or encouragement from the peo
: pie OF this Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania yields to no State in her
respect for and her willingness to protect,
by all necdful guarantees, The constitutions
independence of her sister States, nor in
fidelity to that constitutional union, whose
) unexamplCd benefits have been showeret
alike upon herself and them.
| The most exalted public policy and th
clearcst obligations of true patriotism
therefore, admonish US, in the existin!
. deplorablc and dangerous crisis of affairs
that our militia system should receive ron
5 the Legislature that prompt attention
y which public exigenciss, either Of til
. State or the nation may appear to demant
and which may seem III your wi dom bes
adapted to preserve and secure to the pco
a pie of Pennsylvania and the Union tn
l. blessings of peace and the integrity an
@ stability of our unrivallcd Con,t itutionu
. Government
Tho government of this great State wa
established by its lllustrious founder 81
l. deeds of peace Our people have bee
c trained and disciplined in those arts whic
= lead to the promotion of their own morG
% and physical development and progres
. and with the highest regard fol the rght
of others, have always cultivated fraterna
d relations with the people of all tue State
d devoted to the Constitution and the Union
,r and always recognizing the spirit OF con
- cession and compromise that unlerl;cs tn
J, foundation of the Government.
' Pennsylvania offers no counsel and take
= no action in the nature of a menace. lie
d desire is for peace, and her object tn
ct preservation OF the personal and politics
rights of citizens, of the true sovereignt
of States, and the supremacy of law an
rs order
.. Animated by these sentiment and in
oe dulgirg an earnest hope OF the speedy re
0' storation of those harmonious and frindl
m relations between the various members
- this Confcderacy which have brought oil
beloved country to a condition OF unequal
led power aud prosperity.
commit the grave subject of this com
: munication to your elaboration,
le (Signcd,) A. &. CURTIN.
60 Form A LINE DIR, Bcllingham
-.