Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-01-27
The Canadian Militia.

The Toronto Gio5c having pointed to the
promptitude with which 1000 men were sent
to the frontier, as a proof of the efficiency Of
the volunteer systcm, Col. Hamilton writes
a letter TO that paper, from which we make
the following extract
8. With respect TO is beng a test of the
efficiency pf the system for the purpose of
defence, ! wish it were better understood in
what military efficiency really consists. and
how it will have 10 he tested in the hour OF
Canada's invasion. These 1000 men have
not responded 10 a call for the defence of their
country. They are not required to ~ forth
for an indefinite period. 20 meet an invading
army Of disciplined and experienced soldiers
to share the scant pay and hard fare, the
dangers and hardshIT>. such as would have
to be encountered in defending the country
against the energetic and persistent foe we
should have to maintain our ground against
There l. not one element in their present
prospects. and I rejoice that 1t j. 80. that
can be 7aid fairly to test in any particular
the efficiency OF our militia system Tor such a
service as would ie required Of our defenders
in resisting an invasion from the United
States What happy contrast does their
position now present COmmodiously trans
ported by railroad. billcted IN hotels. feasted
and fcted. and helauded in their way to CON-
Portable quarters, extravaCant pay, generous
preparation, with only sufficient work before
them to interest and anuse amateur soldiers
during Canadian winter. To talk of will
lingness, when. perhaps. two thirds Of the
Young men of Canada would be glad 70 cK-
change places with them, would he satirical,
did it not proceed from friendly source
whilst with respect 10 efficiency, they are
now put IN a position not 80 much tu test
70 obtain some of the experience essential to
military efficiency, and doubt not the officers
IN command will take good care that an op-
Qortunity euvied 10y many is not neglected.
q" Equally important with efficiency Il 1t,
that economy should be conspicuous in the
system upon which Canada is to depend for
her defence. Where 10 much in the way Of
training her population mas tO'hc done, every
outlay should BE hushanded. and as much a.
possible effected bv it. On this head it is
only necessary for me to remark that 1t will
cost Canada not far snort Of S400,00 for
maintaining some two thousand volunteer
militia for five months.
And can such service be dispensed with
at the end Of that period And viii the
Gio6e IN Its support Of the volunteer system
advocate the continuance Of 50 ruinous an
expenditure Or are we to remain in the
imbeciie helplcssness in which this winter
finds W.?
e. The continent in arms; Canada : frontier
lately threatened Imperial troops signiii-
cantly withdrawn. Southern dospcradOos IN
large numbers amongst us Fenian traitors
spouting forth their reasonable designs be-
yond our borders. and HIbernian sympsthiz-
ers within them. Il canada never 10 be
reused from her dreams Of perpetual security?
Is it impossible TO awaken her to just ap-
probation Of the altered circumstances of her
position? And are the counsel- OF mem in-
experienced and incompetent in these mat
tcrs to prevail, and thereby entail at some
future day incalculable expenditure aud Jos?