Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1861-04-30

patriotism Of tho citizens of this State, will
make the necessary appropriation and provisions
for delaying the expenses already incurred, ana
carrying into execution further measures Tor
placing our military quota al the service OF the
General Government.
Conceying 1t mminentIy probable that at an
early 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 interva OF
peace which we have enjoy ed while our citizens
have been uninterrupted in their lawful indus
trial pursuits, the importance OF military or
ganlza'ion and discipline las been lost sight o.
Our laws in relation to tho militia have been
subjected, during nearly quarter Of century,
10 numerous isolated amendments and .ltera
tions, until AS code, they arc dsjonted, eeapll-
Gated, ind altogether too cumbrous Tor the basis
Of regular and effective organization.
therefore recommend that the Legislature
should promptly remedy these defects, and ad-
opt such enactnents as shall provide, efficiently,
for organizing, arming and equippng the mill
tia Of the State and for reasonably compensa-
ting The officers and privates, when required to
meet for exercise and drill.
desire also to urge upon you the duty OF
making contingent appropriations OF money, to
be expended, under the direction OF the Execu-
tive Tor the outfit OF any additional military
forces which may be called for Ly the General
Government.
The occasion is an extraordinary one In
tclligence rea cnes us that the Virginia ConVen-
ton of delegates, elected under the express pro-
vision that any ordinance adopted by them,
should be submitted to the ncople for their APP
prevail or rejection, has, in secret session, passed
an ordinance OF secession, and that the Govern
or Of the State has assumed to order the SEIZURE
Of the United States forts, arsenals and vessels
within the limits Of that State.
The Federal Capital is menaced by an inpos-
ing aud well armed military force, aud the Gov
eminent itself, and the national archives are
in imminent peril
Such is tho emergency in view of which III.
yoke your immediate action. Fhe legislatures
Of other States have made liberal appropriations
and extensive military arrangements Tor aiding
the Government and their citizens are hasten
ing to the rescue OF our c0untrys ilag. We
STALL discrcdit our past history should we, in
this crisis. suffer Vermont to be behind her
sister States, in her patriotic sacrifices for the
preservation Of the Union and the Constitution.
feel assured, gentlemen. that you viii re-
fleet the sentiments and wishes of your constlt-
ucnts by cmuating, in your legislative action,
the patriotism and liberalIty Of the noble States
which have already responded to the call OF th'
Government.
1t is dcyoutly to be hoped that the mad am
biton Of the sccesson leaders may be restrained
and the impending sangunary conflict averted
But II hostating, half way policy on the part
Of the administration or the loyal states, vii
not avail to produce such a result.
The United States Government must be sus-
tanned. and the rebellion suppressed, at what
ever cost OF men and treasure and it remaini
TO be seen whether the vigorous preparations
chat are being made, and tic Immense mfff"fy
force called into service by tbs President, are
not tho mos, probable and certain measures for
a speedy and successful solution Of the ques-
ton.
May that Divine Being. who rules among the
ations and directs the affairs of men, intcrpCse
by Ills mercifu. Providence, and restore to us
again the blessings of peace, under the ogs Of
our national Consultation.
ERASrUS FAIRBANKS.