The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-11-20

Norwich University.
The Speaker presented the annual report of
the national life insurance company ordered to
lie.
MILITIA BILL.
The House on motion of Mr.. Gardner took up
the substitute militia bill and the pending ques-
ton was upon its insertion by the House in place
of the original bill.
Mr.. Flagg criticised the bill expressing the
conviction that some of its features were imprsc
ticable. That feature of the bill however which
provides for parades and drills rather suited his
fancy than otherwise. But he could not see how
it would be easy to get along with the number of
officers and division of territory provided for in
this bill. He supposed what was wanted was an
efficient organization if any. On the whole he
convinced that it would be better to provide
in some other way than this, for the discipline re-
quired. On account Of these difficulties in the bill
he was inclined to the opinion that it would not
be best to pass it. He would fer many reasons
prefer the law formerly in operation, which pro-
vided for drill and parade and was in many points
desirable. Perhaps however something more or
different was needed.
Mr. Herrick of Wolcott, stated that the people
of his town and county, desired an organization Of
the militia, and he esteemed it therefore his duty
pared TO judge whether this bill was the one best
calculated 10 meet the requirements of the State,
no. being military man.
MIR. Miller of w illlston, was not in favor of the
drills and parade provided for in the bill under
consideration. He believed the organization pro-
posed would prove an embarrassment when ac-
ton was required. An enrolment and provision
for draft was all that was desirable.
Mr. Fletcher of Caypndish believed that the
most simple system that would answer the pur-
pose required would be the best.
The efficiency of soldiers who without prepara-
ton, left their employments at home for the camp
and the field and there devoted their whole time
and attention to military matters, could be per-
celved from the troops which Vermont had al
ready sent to the war. He should therefore favor
the bill which was most simple and did not pro-
vide for an organization OF the militia.
Mr. Cook of Cabot desired to do anything that
would sustain or forward the interests of the ex
ccIlent government OF the State and United
States. lie believed an efficient military disci-
pHne was one OF the means that would aid in suS-
tanning the government. He did no, believe that
the Millennium was SO near that 1t woUid answer
to cease learning the art Of war. The condition
IN which our country found when the present
war began, should be lesson in this matter
While the present bill was not all that could be
desired, it was the best that the circumstances Of
the State and Country would now allow. lie
should, therefore, in obedience to what he believed
to be the will of the people, vote for the bill.
Mr.. Reynolds thought the design was to Oh.
tain an efficient militia law. The bill proposed
law BIKE the old Lockwood system, and little if
any better. AS that proved SO poor system,
he believed this would, also, If passed. lie
should, therefore, vote against the bill under con-
sideraton.
Mr.. Henry referred to- former statement he had
made when resolution had been introduced by
tie gentleman from Fairfax QIub5eIl) to test the
sense of the House. That statement was that
either the state must be satisfied with an enroll
lnent, or require full equipment and the care
full discipline OF troops. Any attempt to split
the difference would only result in useless out
lay and an inefficient organization. The cases
referred to, where an organization had proved ad
yantageouS, and particularly the case of Massa-
chusetts, were cases where the organization had
been complete and effective. a system of en-
rol.ment was that now required, and al. that could
at this time be practically carried out. lie be-
eved that at the close Of the war every town
ought to be furnished with an armorv, bat at this
time the expense co. Id not be afforded
-H4' A'HILEtt VI c-a'-"l NoS FIjCStu 10 t.4C
because 1t did no, PROPOSE to inaugulate an ell
Gent and thorough militia system. lie was ia
| favor Of sucu system and believed that such a
plan as that when the b;., proposed woold, il
| PRACTICE only produce disgust ia those who, with
out the arms or UNIFORM Of soldiers, it Is proposed
10 drill or make pretence Of drilling as srcn.
Mr. ~ nue spoke briefly in support of the bill.
MAAl,en, Of Troy, moved the previous ques-
ton and the motion was sustained by the House
and yeas and nays were called on demand OF Mr.
Adams, OF Colchester, Yeas Is, Nays 1873, and
the substitute bill providing for the organization
OF militia was not inserted, and was lost,
Mr. Royce, moved to insert the bill he presen-
ted Yesterday providing for the enrolment, &C.,
OF the militia bill but not for organization.
Mr. James moved that the bill and motion to
substitute, be ordered to lie and made spe cial or
der for Zen o'clock to morrow morning agreed to
and sections of the bill which differ materially
from Senate Militia bill, ordered printed.
THIRD READING OF BILLS.
An act in addition to an act providing for the
appointment of commission TO adjust claims
growing out Of military expenditures passed.
An &c: to tax dogs; passed. ADJ.