Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1863-11-19

1 u no U1shtbhs
The militia question was some time age
disposed of--whether wisely or not, men
differ. But one thing is certain, in one
branch of the legislature it was fairly
discussed, and If its members saw fit to
reject measures for an organization, il
cannot be that il was for any want Of en-
hghtenment.
Early in the session the Senate resolved
that no new law on the subject was neces-
sary. In the House the military commit
tee submitted test resolution, on the in
PRODUCTION of which Mr.. Dorr, then
Chairman, delivered lucid and ingenious
statement of the arguments for and against
an organization. But on motion of the
gentleman from Woodstock, the resolution
was referred without further debate, to
the committee which had introduced it,
Then the committee assumed the respoasi-
bility, and the result was the report of a
bill for the thorough organization, equip
ment and drill of fifty companies of the
militia of the state.
Then came the several days of earnest
consideration of the measure, the reports
of which filed our columns at the time.
Numerous amendments were proposed,
some OF which were adopted and some
rejected. The bill was attacked by its
opposers at every opportunity during each
stage Of its progress. Led by Major
Rounds (whe has led troops in the field.
and led them well, too, its enemies made
many Jetats, reconnoissances, flank move
ments and bold assaults. But Mr.. Dorr.
the rest OF the committe and the friends
| OF he measure, stood firm in its defense.
and paried skillfully or received compla-
Gently every blow that was struck until
after spirited and protracted debate, on
Tuesday the Sd instant, on motion of Mr..
Hemenway of Orwell, the bill was dis
missed by majority of twentr- seven.
The measure had been advanced by its
friends out of high sense of duty, and
an intelligent appreciation,of the propriety
OF the case, and the welfare and safety
OF the state. 1t was opposed with te
naclty equal to its Importance, but with a
magnanlmlty which an honest intention to
legislate for the best, alone could dictate.
on both sides was arrayed the best talent
OF the House. Prominent in its favor
stood Messrs. Dorr, Chandler. Deane.
Fisher of Vergennes. Conspicuous against
1t were arrayed Messrs. Rounds, Wood I
ward, Miller of Williston and several
others,
The debates were digniied but earnest
either party seemed to be prompted by
honest convictions, and il was remarked
by all that the chairman of the military
committee { MIR. Dorr), distinguished him
sell by sincere and manly earnestness
IN the wcrk none the less than by polite
and generous consideration Of his oppo-
nents' views.
well, the measure was lost--lost be-
cause a majority of the House seemed to
think that the present law is equal to all
emergencies that are likely to occur
There was some feeling on the subject.
and when the bill had been dismissed. one
OF It's friends, an old and respected
member OF the House, remarked eyes.
they have killed il, but if the votes cod have |
been weighed instead of counted. it would |
have llVed in triumph But we are not |
prepared to Fay that, for it is difficult as |
wen as ndeilcate thing to impeach a ma
Jorlty OF the legislature of Vermont.
We clip the above from Walton's |
journal. We only wish to add upon the |
subject, that the state authorities, as we |
are informed, were assured by the gener-
eral government that the latter would fur
~
nlsh the arms, in case an active militia I
organization was decided upon by the
legislature. The talk about one hundred |
one hundred and fifty, two hundred
thousand dollars expense attending such
an organization, was, therefore, all moon
shine. Yet this was made the principal
objection.
IMPROVEMENTS. Two gas lights have
been put up by private enterprise in front
Of the new block occupied by Messrs.
Pierce, Palmer and Southwick, one in
front OF Landon & Baxter's store, and one
on Washington street near Tuttle &
Gays store.
DEsERTERs. Five deserters were for
warded yesterday 'with care" to Major
Austine at Brattleboro. Two more are
waiting until others shall arrive in sufi-
'ient numbers to mak4 up squad. Most
II those who are now caught are old cases,
md have come from other states under as
umed names. 1t requires considerable
unnlng, experience, energy and frequent
large expenditure of money on the
,art Of the detectives to catch them; but |
hey rarely escape, and when caught they
re compelled to expiate their crime, and 8
'ay for the expense and trouble of catch /
ng, by wearing bdll aad chain, and /
'orking fer term Of years on the fortif- Z
ations. De 'ertion is about the worst {
aging business in the world. /
SHEEP SALES. Mr.. Charles Benedict
Arlington and Mr.. Nathan Bottom of
haftsbury, have recently purchased of
'dwin Hammond Of Mlddlebury, two
~,.lR r. Il n. | :.