The New York herald., 1878-12-19
MILITIA REFORM.
INAUGURATION OF MOVEMENT TO BRING
ABOUT UNIFORM SYSTEM OF MILITIA

INAUGURATION OF MOVEMENT TO BRING
ABOUT UNIFORM SYSTEM OF MILITIA
ORGANIZATION THROUGHOUT THE UNION.
The Executive Committee OF an interstate associa-
tion on militia reform. which is being organized,
met yesterday afternoon at No. 20s Broadway. The
officers present were General L. 4. Rodenberg. United
States Army retred lists General W. S. sryker Adju-
tant General State of New Jersey General j.. l..
Molineaux. General G.. w. wingate, Colonel 7. l..
Crittcnden. United States Army, superintendent of
the recruiting service; Colonel W s. Stirling. New Jer
sey; Colonel W. H. Brownell Forty seventh regiment,
New York; Colonel j. ii. Cowperthwait and Major Nj.
B. Farr. General Stryker presided. The Secretary
read number of letters received from officers of all
ranks belonging to the militia of several States
orally approving of this movement which is to bring
about uniform system OF militia organization
throughout the Union. These communications
We're in reply to circular that had been sent out by
the temporary Executive Committee inviting the
operation of the States and Territories As the COM
mittce possessed no official status and acted
only out of desire to something good
for the militia. few OF the State authroities
replied to the invitation. but quite respect
able number of prominent officers in divers parts
promised their cooperation i'll the movement.
Among the States that thus far have accepted tho in
vitation to cooperate are New York. New Jersey.
Pennsylvania. Rhode Island and Connecticut and the
officers taking action in the matter have done in
their individual capacity.
INTEREST THE MOVEMENT.
The letter received from General D. N. Couch. of
Connecticut reported that committee had been APP
pointed in that State to take charge of the matter.
and convention would be held there tonight for the
purpose OF naming delegation to the general con-
vention next month. General G. II. Barney, of Rhode
Isla his Erau nnal
Second brigade, Pennsylvania militia, predicted in his
letter strong support for the movement in pennsyl
vana. Major II. NJ Boies. Thirteenth Pcnnsy yaiia
regiment, reported by letter that convention
would be held last night in Philadelphia for the
purpose of choosing delegations to the pro-
posed national convention. General StryLo.
the presiding officer. reported verbally that
New Jersey had already held convention
at which all the general officers Of the State were ap
pointed delegates. The Governors Of Washington and
and Dakota Territories acknowledged, officially re-
cept OF the invitation. Colonel Stevens, Assistant
Adjutant General, of Massachusetts,, favored the
movement :@Colone Peck, First regiment National
Guard, Vermont, informed the committee that his
State would support convention. General w. J..
Alexander of Iowa, concurrcd in the idea of con-
vention, and would try to have delegation named.
General Hilliard of Illinois, promised cooperation.
The Jackson Fla Light thought well OF the project
of militia organization and would endeavor to have
the State authorities take part in it, Colonel SIM
mons, First Alabama regiment, would try to have
delegation named.
A NATIONAL CONVENTION CALLED.
General f. L. Molneaux offered resolution calling
convention OF officers from the different States and
Territories, which the meeting adopted. The reso-
luton provided that the secretary be directed to call
national convention of those interested in the sub
ect of militia reforms to be held in New York city
January II, 1879 for the purpose of deciding upon
and recommending to Congress plan for
the encouragement and increase OF the
militia throughout the country. One of the
means to bring about this by increasing the ap-
preparations tor and such further recognition
by the State and federal authorities matters of
struction and inspection might be deemed prac-
tical and desirable. Also, that the Adjutant Gen
eral Of each State and Territory be especially invited
to attend the convention, with as many other dele
gates, not exceeding fve he may choose to desig
nate. The secretary is in the same manner author
lied to state in his call for the convention that its
will probably last two days. and that the
stay of the delegates in this city will be rendered
both pleasant and profitable by local national
guardsmen and the army commander in the vicinity.
Secretary Wngate offered resolution to the follow
ing effect which was adopted
That II is in the spirit of the first section of
dun for legislation required in the circular previously is
sued by this committee that the best small and
that be produced shall be purchased
and that private manufacturers should he permitted
compete for and supply at reasonable rates snc
be considered desirable in the several States
their quotas provided that under all circumstances uni
form caibre shall be in issued the
army militia.
Acommittee, consisting OF Colonies Brownell and
| Cowperthwat and Major Farr. named to provide
suitable place where the Convention could assem-
BILE and to advise the secretary Of its locality
Us convenient.
The meeting then adjourned