Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1862-09-13
Important Suggestions for the Peo-
pIe-HoNy to Prepare for Danger.

Important Suggestions for the Peo-
Editors Intslligsneer:
Tue Governor has sent out his procla-
nation for organizing and drilling the mill
tia. 1t may be considered by some as all
that is necessary, and equal to the emer-
geucy, but the writer is constrained to say
that he "don't see i'll" The intent was
DOUBTLESS good, bot such things are rise
and untpise, according to circumstances.
The Governors proclamation would do We
ry we'll, perhaps, if jenkins, Floyd L Co.
could be induced to postpone their visit to
Western Virginia until some time next sum
mer. BY that time a weekly drill of our
citizens would make them tolerhble SOL
diers, provided they were furnished with
officers who are not supcrannated through
mental, moral or physical infirmity and
who have honor enough to keep them from
wine, loafing and disgraceful surrendersl
If Western Virginia is invaded in force
it will be in less than sixty days, probably
within thirty days The first of October
is the time Fixed by the traitor General,
Floyd himself.
How much will be accomplished in the
way of preparation to repel him, if we are
to drill but once u week, and not to COM
What then shall we dc? II you will per-
a civilian to put on military airs, and be
impertinent for once, the writer would sug-
gest:
First-That daily drills should be requi-
red of all the able bodied men in the city,
aud that all business should be suspended
at 4 o'clock P. n. each day for that pur-
pose.
Secoud-Let each citizen who is able TO
do so, land hundreds are) provide himself
with gun double barrelled shotgun is
the BEST blanket, canteen and haversack.-
The State cannot provide for all, and we
cannot wait for red tape, when the enemy
is upon us. Those who are exempt and
have firearms, should supply those who are
subject to duty, and are without arms.
Third-Have the citizens of the county,
who are subject to military duty, meet for.
drill at least twice a week. They should
form themselves as lar as possible into
mounted infantry eompanies They have
plenty of horses, and they cannot make a
better use of them just now, and may make
a worse. Besides, this is most valuable
arm of the service, the one which has en-
abled jenkins to pass rapidly through the
heart of Western Virginia. Ohio county
can furnish easily from three to five hun
dred mounted men, who could be moved
with all the rapidity of cavalry aud yet
could be used as infantry when necessary.
Let these men arm and equip themselves,
as far as possible. Indeed it should be the
aim of every patriot, to equip himself for
this work as far as possible, and thus re-
lieye the Department, already overburden
ed with the demands upon it.
Fourth-Let us organize in the city an
artillery company of from so to 100 men.
We are informed that the pieces will be
furnished by the Government, aud that
artillery officer will drill such
company. When needed for actual service
the horses will be furnished by the Gov
ernment This is most import underta-
king and should not be delayed.
Fifth-0rganize volunteer Infantry COM
panies and select your own officers-men
IN whom you have confidence. The old
militia organization is too loose and nVishy
Washy." Some fits officers are good men,
but others are trihfng-elected as Joke
and burlesque. Cat loose from it az once,
and the way to to do it is organize into
volunteer companies as provided in the
State laws on the subject.
The last, but not astimportsnt cousid-
sration is, by what authority shall these
-hings be done, or any part of them |
There must be peremptory order on the
lu4eCs from some responsible Authortty. !
The people are ready to work and TO drill, |
md to suspend business as as may be me-
,essaty TO attend to this business; but
hey want things done with system, uni
oTmity and energy.
One business man will not relish the idea
IT snspending his business ana sacrificing
lis ease, however patriotic he may be,
Ehile his neighbor Is permitted to shirk |
hese duties and pursue his business as
lsual. There must be discipline aud regu-
alton in these matters, or the whole move
neut will be imbecile and Contemplate.
3 By what authority then, shall these
hiuRs be done3 There are but two au-
horities 70 act in this matter the Stata [