Weekly Trinity journal. [volume] (Weaverville, Calif.) 1857-1972, 1864-01-09

The annexed article we copy from tie Red
Bluff Independent. The subject treated is one of
interest to our people, and we heartily endorse
the suggestions of brother Bishop, who is a val
liable member of the Lassen Rangers, Red Bluff.
1t is patent to all that the sole dependence. in
case of invasion, must be upon the militia for
some length of time. Situated so remotely from
the Eastern States, which would be relied upon
LOT assistance as soon as aid could reach u.s. the
militia would be compelled to stand the brunt of
sudden war and invasion. The Importance of
the militia system has been recognized by our
Governor in his address, but we hope the Legis-
iature will be careful how they attempt 10 amend
the regulating the militia, and rather let the
present system be more thoroughly carried out
The appropriation for furnishing the troops with
uniforms has been swallowed up by. other brig
AIDES, leaving the Fifth without cent wherewith
to provide uniforms. We now call upon the
present Legislature to make an appropriation that
this Brigade may be furnished with uniforms at
an early day. This is not urged for the simple
purpose of seeing the companies decked out in
uniforms, but from the fact, that it will have a
tendency to keep the companies full give them
pride in their organizations, which as I'M
uniformed company they cannot and do not feel.
To keep the militia in an efficient state of organ
ization, everything should be done to keep an
enthusiasm among the companies-uniforms and
annual encampments are necessary to do this.
The idea of abolishing encampments seems to
have occurred to some To abolish encamp
ments would be the signal of disbanding. The
pride which every company feels in excelling
others would no longer have the opportunity of
being aroused by competition, to say nothing OF
the shutting around at home confirming mistakes
in drill which could only be rectifed at an en-
campment In this Brigade, especially, the dis
-, hokr- q an anil hot
but company drill is not practicable, and conse-
quently the annual encampment is eagerly seized
upon as furnishing rare opportunity of learn
ing that which cannot be learned by companies
separately. No complaint will be made by the
Fifth Brigade in regard to services, but it de-
mands that it should be placed upon equal foot
ing with other Brigades which are more access
IDLE to the State Treasury. Let it have equal
encouragement with the others, and become
sharer in the appropriations. If the fund is en-
tirely depleted, we understand it is, an appro-
priation should Immediately be made for thor
oughly equipping all who have as yet received
nothing. Too great encouragement cannot be
given the militia of this State, and the Legisla-
ture will prove itself penny wise and pound
foolish if they do not do everything Which will
increase and strengthen the organized militia of
this State and we can assure our lawmakers
that the Fifth Brigade, in travelling hundreds of
miles in going to and from camp, have no lack of
patriotism and deserved to be fostered as well as
the other Brigades which are in position to re-
ceive all the benefits of the military fund to the
exclusion of this.
View it may, there is evident injustice
in the manner in which these claims have been
allowed, and we believe this feeling will be gen.
orally entertained by the members of the COM
panies comprising the Fifth Brigade. A veteran
od, Az LAD
Encampment of the Fifth Brigade, complimented
it in the highest terms, and if his opinions are
at all valuable we hazard nothing in saying that
it is second to none in the State in any respect,
unless it may be in point of numbers. The
companies composing it are scattered the Yreka
company travelled so miles to attend the En-
campment, the Trinity companies 80 miles, the
Oroville company go miles and the Shasta COM
panies 40 miles-greater distances. than those of
any other Brigade were obliged to go, probably
But all went willingly, and we have yet to meet
the first soldier who has not rejoiced that he
went, and gratifed at the useful instruction re-
ceived there; which cannot be obtained with
separate companies.
Seriously, We hope the present Legislature will
make the required appropriation, if as stated,
the amount set aside for this purpose has been
swallowed up in defrayng the expenses of other
Brigades, leaving out in the cold" We
believe every company in the Fifth Brigade will
have disbanded before ninety days if this injus-
tce is permitted to pass unnoticed, and we know
of no matter to which the Northern delegation
could with greater appropriateness turn their
undivided attention. If the companies of the
Fifth Brigade do not receive what is Justly
due them in common with others, it will in
a very short space of time exist only in name.
They have performed the duty required travelled
hundreds of miles, sacrificed time and money,
and are now told that the money which was
equally appropriated for their use and benefit
has been exhausted in defraying expenses of the
Brigades fortunate enough to be located short
er remove from the State Treasurer. The ma
terial of which the Fifth Brigade is composed is
far from being inferior to any other; it is in most
part the representative of the mining interest
the bone and sinew of the land-inured to hard
ships, and just the kind calculated to make good
soldiers. Let our lawmakers think this matter
over.
The Richmond correspondent of the London
Times admits that the blockade has now for the