The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1865-10-13
The Militia Ldtc.

We hear objections TO our present mill
tia law. and occasionally complaints
against the legislature that enacted ii, and
especially against those most forward and
active in procuring lis passage. But be-
fore cunlemning the law. or those who
procured Ifs enactment, we should reflect
on the condition of the country and the
state at the time Of It's passage. The re-
bcllion was then raging with all lis force
and fury. It's armies had not been con-
quered; It's spirit had not been suhdued {;
itS power was not broken. Besides fight
ing It's battles with fearful energy, it was
plotting the destruction OF our cities. the
burning Of our shipping, the introduction
OF disease among our people. AMI the aS-
SaSsinatiop of our prominent men- Il had
already made fearful and destructive raid
into one of the towns of our own state.
and the inhabitants of our border towns
and oar chief villages were in constant ter
ror and alarm. not knowing what emi,sa-
rcs might be sent forth bv the South on
their errand of arson, robbery and muir
der. Then we all felt that something
should be Immediately done for our securi-
ty and protection, and the legislature devils
ed and passed a law organizing a military
force such as the times seemed 10 demand:
AMI had that state OF things continued til
now. We presume that but very little fault
would be found with our present system.
1t was the thing then needed. then de-
nlanded, and then obtained. But change
has come over our country and ollr state
The rebellion Is cruShed-the war Is over
peace has returned. and we are not in
danger at present of raids from Canada
or any other quarter. And now we must
direct our attention 10 the modification OF
our military system. 50 as TO adapt it TO
the altered condition of things. We have
Il heavy burden OF taxes imposed upon Us
bv the war retrenchment of all unnec-
e>sary expenses should be insisted on, while
all that Is necessary fer our security now
and in the future should be heroicallv
borne. That some military organization
is still needed, few, if any, will deny. Ii
every state has an organization of lis able
bodied men, such that they can be at once
summoned 10 service in case of an emer-
yency. it will be powerful safeguard
against insults or attacks from foreign na-
tion>, and 4 guaranty against domestic
/ tt,,s
ganization should incur the least possible
expense compatible with the objects 10 be
effected. The details of such an orgami-
zation we are not competent TO give We
have men in the stale who can. and men
elected TO the legislature abou, to con-
vene, who are also able to do IT, What
we ask for, and what we believe the intel-
ligent people ofNermont generally ask for,
Is a simple, inexpensive organization of
all or Il portion OF our able-bodied men of
military age,-an organization of men SO
constituted and SO provided with arms that
they may be called into serviee on short
notice if necessary. omittlng expensive
drills and musters believing that when
called out and properly equipped, men will
learn under tho charge of competent Off
Gers all that is necessary TO make effective
soldiers on the battlefield in very short
space of time. especially if imminent dan
ger is present 10 stimulate them. Trust
ing TO the wisdom and good sense of the
men whom we have chosen to our legisla-
ture, we feel quite confident they will do
the right thing, and give US militia law
suited 10 the present condition of our state
and country.-Brur!eJoro Plenir