New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-07-24

The proposition to organize State mill
tie or constabulary force has been treated
by the opposition press Of this city as
something entirely new under the sun-as
an innovation not warranted in usage nor
by the necessities of the case. All that
has been written on the subject is a mere
grouping together of imaginary objections
and statements which are really no OBJ
jections at all, It is customary with all
the States OF the Union to establish, among
the first measures adopted, force to be
placed under the control of the Governor,
subject to the laws, for the purpose Of pre-
serving order, and quelling disturbances Of
too great magnitude to be put down by the
local police. The theory of the States
has been that there was possible danger
of invasion, and that a nominal army un-
der the direction Of the Governor
as commander-in- chief was necessary
to be in readiness TO meet
any emergency. Fortunately the
militia of the several States of the Union
have never been called upon to serve in
long and bloody campaigns in the interests
of their local governments but the system
has furnished school for the training of
future veterans in the cause of their coun-
Try in the war Of 1912, the Mexican war,
and during the late rebellion.
The militia system of this State, which
was entirely broken up by that event, has
never yet been restored. With the restora.
tion Of civil government all the useful Gus
toms of the people should be resumed.
Hence the idea of recognizing the militia,
as required by the constitution, was sug.
gested to the members Of the Assembly.
BUTT appears from the best evidence
we have that something not SO unwieldy as
the militis system is required to meet the
emergencies arising in many Of the par
ishes. Information Of the most positive
character, and from undoubtedly reliable
sources, represents that in many sections Of
this State deeds Of violence are committed
every day, and that the local authorities as
at present constituted either are unable or
unwilling to enforce the laws for the sup
preston and punishment of crime A
constabulary force is therefore suggested
for the present as substitute
for the militia. There are laws
on our old statute books now which
provide for aresort to the citizens through
the agency of the Sheriff or other
officers who are conservators of the
peace to assist in quelling riots and
all disturbances Of the public peace.
Ii is an cid principle of the common law
enacted here into statute. The bill now
pending before the Legislature provides
that the proper number Of persons shall be
appointed in each parIsa, one of whom
shall be the chief, and the others his assist
ants, whose duty it shall be to call upon all
well, disposed citizens to aid them If nee
essary in the discharge Of their duties.
Penalties are to be attached 10 refusal %
render assistance when called upon.
But these ConstabIes viii have no duties
to perform, nor viii the citizens ever be
called upon for assistance in quiet neigh
bcrhoods. A law-abiding, peaeeable peo-
pie win never feel the law, nor see one Of
Of the officers on duty. It will then depend
upon the people to say whether The aid pro
posed q the cOnstabulary law shall ever be
Invoked. A quiet, innocent man viii have
nothing . appEshend from Inc law. lis
made for those Of turbnlsnt, uneoHtrolla-
lila 5lrea.ltfcua q,,eh ,,...,... = - 4
every plaee where he laws are not en-
forced, Or can not Be enforced BY the strong
hana. They are, however, psaceabls
eneash in the presence Of armed aufhsfity. 4
ana aslate Of preparation, backed By
dlspoai,ian On tie part or he officers Of he
law uAAilg oneaates as a sure preventive.
nsil1e1 tAo proposed millsia noF eoasssb.
ulary lay Is designed As 80 aggressive
msasure. Both are protective and pre-