Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-02-03

At tie request of several readers publith, in full,
tbs message of Gov Smith to the General Assembly Of
Virginia. relative to the organization of the militia:
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF W.
Richmond, JAN 25, 1854
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House of Delegates
am SO deeply impressed with the vital mpOrlauc,
of organizing the reserved force of the State, and OF
combining every element Of strength, that we may
successfully resist the formidable enemy VINO will, Ia
short time, be upon us tha. cannot feel that have
fully done my duty without appealing for prompt and
immediate action in the premises
Ny predecessor convened you IN ezra session Tor the
purpo of organizing our remaining military resources
For two months you named in elaborate consultation
without mplishing the main purposes for which you
had been assembled. Reassembln on the 7th OF De-
cember the beginning OF The regular Session, the con-
sdeIatcn of the subject was again resuued, ana YET
after the lapse of nearly two months nothing has been
done. Ia the meantime, other States have met Tor
purpose similar to own, and in some two or three
70 eks have with rar5 promptness and great magma
nmity passed the requisite act and adjou ned Is Vr-
GINA less patriotic than her sister Safes Is sue 80
bind as no. to the mmnence OF the terrible Danger
which threatens her annihilsonf Are her representa-
ves incapable oil performing the proud duty OF wisely
bravely ana devotedy eDactng the requisite legislation
for her safety! do not, will no. believe it.
But delay ia ruin An early Spring is certain. Eli
Gent organization is lol the work OF day the busy
hum OF the gigantic preparation on the part OF our i'm
pacabe enemy s heard through every source OF inos
nation which reaches ua. Aud yet-when every thing
that Il dear is imperlled-when, life, fortune,
liberty aud independence, hang upon to fate Of the
NEXT campaign, unmportant differences OF opinion and
cod celebrations of interest allo we'd, m ost
specially think, ruincusy TO delay this indispensable
legislation.
Feeling, gentlemen, most deeply, the necessity for
prompt action on your part, rust may be pardoncd
for recommending 70 your favorable consideration the
ACCOMPANYING bill:
1t IL proposes that the reserved force Of the State
should be organized by the Governor, and, when COM
pleed to be reported the Assembly for such change
as it may zee ft 10 make.
I'd That the Governor shall not move said force be-
yond the limits OF The Safe.
3 That no portion OF such force thall be called out
for lorger period than thirty days
All. Wien practicable said forcs fh IL be assigned
to duty in he eeyeral counties from which IL may De
drawn.
9TH The particular du les to which this force may be
assigned designated.
b. That the couny courts and county officers shall
aid in the enrolment.
7tb That the Governor shall provide for the proper
discipline and order Of said 10 ce.
s h. Tire bill being measure it is proposed that
it shall expire with the proclamation Of peace only su5
pending, in the meantime, the general militia law.
/. will be observed that the bill clio hes the Gov
with full powers. This is aiy, because il seems
impo sble for the Legislature agree BILL aud be-
Cause no human legel on can pFoNde Tor the varying
circumstances OF state of Bat the bill is drs
that the Governor wee he go disposed, could do no
evil He cannot moSe this force OF the State. He
cannot call it out for longer period than thirty days
Ill cannot order i; to any Gton specified duties. He
must employ il in the several counties from which lis
component parts shall c?me, If ptac icibe. And then
there is the revising power OF the General Assembly.
1t viii b, observed that this bill calls for appro
priaoo, nor fos commssaries quaTterm1ssers. My
plau is to make arrangements win the Secretary o.
War to pay Of ecl por ion OF the force may
be called out whel lis particular service is need d by
marching t 10 the post quaerma5ter OF its county Tor
that purpose, and would instructed according And
my purpose would be, when neces.a y to arp)ut res
pc able old gentlemen, quatermasters and commits
sares for the particular occasol and for them TO settle
up aLy .unts thy may have creaed with the p.st
quarteImaser, and be likewise paid eff thus closing up
Transaction without perpleI ty dsay and to the
entirS ats action, douO less, o, both The Government
aud Of the psople
Such bill, gentleman, 1 respectfully ubnis, aud
that, too with VI little sacrifice of farming liter
es Of exposure 10 the dangers OF battle disease
the part OF iorSe, could be easily exc
cuted would promE restore the numerous d>ai, &,
which have heavily depleted our armies in the 6ld,
and would in shot time, enable US to defy the might
lest efforts of our enemies. Respectfully,
VIZ. Smith