Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-11-07

ance of the disease in this State, and legisla-
tion to secure this result is necessary.
volunteer Ni5lt9Ty.-The constitution de-
clares well regulated militia essential to the
peace and security Of the state, and vests in
the General Assembly power to provide for
forming, arming and equIpping the militia or
TO- provide for volunteer organizations.
The policy of the State has been to rely upon
the latter rather than upon compulsory or
ganization into militia of the entire body OF
eitlzens capable of bearing arms. In every
state there are those whose tastes and incli.
hatlons incline them to perform this neces-
Sary uuty, which to others would be burden.
Voluntary service, when efficient, Is better
tan tnan compulsory service. Whilst provision
mas teen made for the formation OF volunteer
organizations, none has been made by the
State TO arm or equip them. The General
government furnishes annually $1,000 in arms
ana ordnance stores to the State which
are distributed. The public spirit
alone OF our volunteers has Kent
awe, at great expense to themselves
,y M ltary organizations. They have not failed
10 respond to any cazl for service. Our sister
states are far IN advance of Georgia in sus-
tanning and perfecting volunteer systems. We
should either abandon ours or render il ef-
hcient to preserve peace and security by con-
trlbutiug 10 its support. A large amount is
not necessary. The purpose should be merely
TO an0rd encouragement, improve discipline
and insure the proper care of arms and eduip-
ments, without stimulating the military spirit
IN time of peace Careful provision should
be made for the appointment of competent
oudLus .IY oi cASihlheIs, TO secure upright ana
intelligent officers Tor companies Already or
ganlzed and for these hereafter organized.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
1t has been nearly seven wears since the
adoption OF the present constitution. We can
appreciate the whoesome effect its many
admirable provisions have exerted upon the
commonwealth The body of 1t is believed to
contain all the fundamental principles neees-
sary to good government. Ii is impossible
to frame constitution for pOpulous State,
OF varied resources and interest, which does
not contain provisions considered by many
good citizens hurtful in effect. Public needs
vary with the growth of the people in num-
bers and in wealth. Experience has
developed defects which Impair the
excellence of our fundamental law,
and which should be remeded. Two
methods have been provided to meet the
necessity for changes. The General Assembly
may call a convention of the people, or may
submit amendments of the constitution to the
people for ratification at the next general
election. 1t is unwise to resort to the first
method until that by amendment has been
tried and found Intellectual. The latter is
simple, practicable and inexpensive. No sub
JecC VIII engage your attention of greater
Importance than that of Kidding the cOnstitu-
ton OF provisions which have been found un-
or unwise in their operation.
The subjects here mentioned comprise q part
only of the matters of legislation to which,
In the discharge of the weghty duties de-
volylng upon the General Assembly, your at
tentlon Will be directed. Incalculable bene-
hts to the people will follow patriotic deliber-
alton and wise action. / cannot doubt that
you viii prove equal to the task.
An impartial review of our condition will
not justify the claim that there is nothing to
regret in the state of the commonwealth, but
we may find many reasons for gratitude and
hope for the future. Cherishing with pride
Defall the State that vigilance and fidelity can
avert. HENRY d. MoDANiEL.