Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-05-25

"@N- - ANANAA A40H 0ON1AA0A [baT 10
them for their services at Cincinnati, took
place at Brainard's Hall Saturday evening.
The Hall was we'll filled, and music by L.
lands Band added to the enthusiasm of the
audience.
The Honorable VIM. B. Castle on being
elected to the chair, announced the object of
the meeting to be the perfecting of an act of
justice to the body of men who left counters,
shops, and Offices last Fall without a moments
notice to drive back the rebel hOrdes from
the shores of the Ohio.
The conduct of these men had been deemed
worthy of eOmmemoratiOn by the Governor,
and his views having been endorsed by the
Legislature, he had decided upon q method
of giving the event a place in the memory Of
the people, at once appropriate and crafty
ing. Adjutant General Hill was now present
to carry out his ideas.
General Hill then came forward, aud ex-
pressed his great pleasure in performing his
part of the work. He desired at the same
time to urge the great necessity for efforts on
the part of the State to be prompt and ener-
getic in performing their part in the great
military work soon to be put before them.
Adverting to the Diploma of Squirrel Hun
tership he explained the designs, and the use
of the record kept at the Adjutant Generals
Office to give the requisite facts for supplying
a new diploma in case the old one should ever
by accident be lost.
He referred to the pre-eminent loyalty Of
this portion of the State which made him feel
sure that anything which he might say,
would be listened to with respect. The new
militia law should be put into operation as
soon as possible, and Cuyshoga County
ought to Immediately raise at least eight
companies of infantry, and not less than two
batteries of artillery. In order to prevent
the trouble and delay Of formal application
through the Adjutant Generals Office. he had
placed the matter entirely in the hands Of
the Military Committee.
He explained the various provisions of the
militia Iaw-reading the form which the
companies were to sign as an obligation. He
explained how the militia were expected to
serve, giving the service of the Squirrel
Hunters as an example.
He showed in what manner the various ex-
pensss of the volunteer companies would be
paid, and demonstrated the advantages
accrsing to those who accepted the provisions
Of the same, over the unOrganized militia.
He spoke of the militia movement at Day
ton where they had already raised four COM
49, ,hort g fo-rr two
subscription of $4,000 had been raised, and
the citizens lad declared that no volunteer
should be under the necessity of purchasing
his uniform, which was the only expense
tina. the law demanded of them.
The people of Dayton were doubtless some
what aroused by the mob which had formed
there lately, but he did not believe that Guy
ahoga would be more backward or less patri-
otto than the people of Dayton, though they
had far less to fear perhaps from homo
The Squirrel Hunters had been compelled
to take the field without arms, equipments or
camp equipage. They served without pay.
This year they would be obliged to do none
of these things. The moment that they were
called out they should receive pay, be equip
ped, and sent into their posts in perfect trim.
The rebel raids were late in the season last
year, but this summer an incursiOn had al
ready been made into Western Virginia, and
such attempts would be made again and
again. If we wished to put a stop to them,
should always show ourselves to be in
constant readiness, and that readiness would
Of itself, be thorough means Of preventing
them. The risk in the case Of the Squirrel
Hunters was Preat-very great, owing to the
loose way in which they were obliged to repel
the attack. Now, with a perfect Organiza-
ton, and thorough equipment, the risk would
not be near as great. TIL General then went
on to describe the operations of that part of
the law relative to camps of instruction.
he closed with a strong argument that in
peace we should ever be ready for war, and
thereby prevent the chances of the battle from
being fOrcedupOn US.
The address was frequently interrupted by
applause.
C. W. Palmer upon being called for,
zane forward. He adverted to the great
change in the militia service since he was a
boy. He said that the carrying out the pro-
of the law should be regarded more
as a duty than, as formerly, a mere holiday
Sober, eerious men would take hold
of the matter, and would conduct it rather
by a sense of duty than mere sxcitsment.-
The enthusiasm of two years ago had in a
great measure died out, and there was now
terrible strain upon resolution. 1t would be
a test Of manhood and character, and he
that the people of Cleveland would
be alive to the acquisitions made upon them
which were every bit as imperative now as
they were at the commencement of the war.
Some had receded from their old positions
1t could not be denied but that there were
many now ready te whisper "Peaee, peace"
who either had been silent, or had Joined in
the patriotic demands made by the people
two years ago. But surely true heroism would
show itself when the most difficulties sur
it. He referred to the self denial of
the Hollanders during their war of ~independ-
encs in opening up their country to the sea,
and sailing in their feet over it to the relief
of Lsyden as an example which we should
now initiate. We should cease quarrelling
among ourselves, we should drop all our in
ternal dissensions, and only strive that the
banner of our country cOnsecrated as it had
been by the generous blood of old, and now by
the fresh blood Of our brave friends and reIa-
tions in the field should float from a higher en-
inence and in serener air, and be as it had
been of yore, the proud hope Of all, as we'll
as a raIlying point for the oppressed.
The Adjutant General then arose to make