The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-06
The Militia
Communicated


The fundamental principle of our system
Of government, in regard to military sHairs,
is opposition to regular. standing armies,
and dependence upon organized, disciplined
militia. Upon this principle our Govern
ment was organized, ana IL rests securely
upon il to-day. 1t is one OF the essential
attributes of free governments. Our fathers
regarded standing armies ss menaces to lib
erty, and the militia az the natural bulwark
of our country. Upon this policy our fathers
were not divided, aud sll parties We'd with
each other in support of it, As to this they
were sll Federslists and all Republicans. II
has always been an article of faith
in the creed of the Democratic
party. Jefferson, in his first inaugural
promulgated the Democratic faith, and his
utierances upon that occasion have been
bed TO be the test of Democracy ever since
by his followers. Ia that address he stated
what he deemed the essential principles of
our Government and among them he said
was "a We disciplined militia, our best re.
lance in peace and for the first moments OF
war. till regulars may relieve them"
Madison, in his inaugural, announced
"the sentiments and Intentions which
should govern his administration, and one
OF them was Ito keep within the requisite
limits standing military force, always re.
mem beriDg that an armed and trained
militia is the 6rmest bulwark of republics.n
The second amendment TO our Constitu-
ton, which was submitted by the First Con
gress, en- bodies this principles:
"a we'll regulated militia being necessary
to the security of free State, the right Of
the people TO keep and bear arms shall not
be infringed." ARTICLE
These are the teachings OF the fathers
And so We have no regular army. What is
called such is but the shadow OF a name
For its military powers the Government de-
Ponds absolutely upon the militia. Our
country stands alone among the great Ma.
tlonal powers. in this regard. Oar country
alone presents the splendid spectacle OF a
strong Government without a standing
army. Under our system it is the implied
duty OF every State 10 have an organized,
disciplined militia. Such a militia is an
element of that eternal vigilence which is
said to be the price OF liberty. A State that
regiects to provide for such a militia is
derelict alike in its duty to itself aud TO
the Nation. 1t is a wisdom 10 prepare for
war in times OF peace. Proper precaution is
one OF the best securities against war.
knowledge of our military pro wess by other
powers may often avert war There should
be no jealousy or fear of our militia. There
is no dapger TO liberty or good government
from our militia. Who are they2 They are
our soDs, our Drothers, our Delgdb0Ts, our
fellow citizens. They are OF the bone and
sinew of the State. Their interests are the
some as the interests OF all good citizens.
They are besides under the control of the
officers of the State, elected by the
people. The question of the
militia Is entirely outside the domain
of politics. 1t is question of government.
According TO the spirit of our institutions,
the militia is lot and part of the Govern
ment itself. The duty of the State to
properly provide for the organization and
discipline OF its militia is clear Provldsnt
preparations is the mother of safety, and
paIsimony is not economy.
MARION.
February &