The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-03-06
IhE MlNuTE MEN BILL.

II
mention there seems to have grown up
a spirit of decided dissatisfaction with
the operations of the state military or
ganization known as the Frontier Bat
talon. without discussing the merits
or dement's of these charges Of ineffi-
cacy, it appears very evident to the
HERALD that some provision should be
made by the legislature FOR carrying
into effect the ends and purposes for
which that body Of state soldiery was
enlisted.
HON. Il. Il. HALL, Of Laredo, has pro-
posed, in the Texas senate, bill, on
which the committee on state affairs has
reported favorably, and which would
seem to be altogether adequate and ac-
ceptabie. 1t provides for the mastering
into service of 25 companies of minute
men for the protection Of the frontier
from marauding parties, and for the
suppression of lawlessness and crime.
Each company Is to consist of one lieu
tenant, two sergeants, two corporals and
10 men," TO be stationed and commits
stoned by the governor. The executive
is required to see to their arming and
equipment, and they are only to be
called into service when required
by the governor. Between the
companies located in the diff
ferent counties, ample provis-
ion is made for ready COM
municatiOn, with restriction on the ex-
pense for keeping up the same. Their
pay is to come out Of the appropriation
for "frontler protection" and they get
only 81 per day for actual service. They
are required to bring into the field their
own horses, for the payment of which,
in case of loss of said animals IN battle
or there disabled, the bill
provides. Provision is also made
with reference to safeguards against
overcharge Their term of service is
limited to two years, and section 8 pro
vides that in the discretion of tho gov
ernor an independent command of q
men may be mustered into the perma
nent service of the state. A captain anG
one lieutenant are to be appointed by
the governor, which appointments
shall DO confirmed by the senate, anC
he is empowered also to appoin
"two sergeants and three corporal'
therein" The captain Is to receive Sl0O
pen month; leutenants, $780, serGoants
$40, and privates, 500 Forage and com
missaries are to be furnished them
These men may also'b be used as detect
ives and the minute men generally
havo power to make arrests under au
thority Of warrant or without whom of
lenses are committed in their presence
Like the others, they only can be helC
in this permanent service" for TIVE
years.
The measure seems, under the circum
stances, TO be eminently wise and pro
per. The command can be located il
counties where they are wanted, aud 81
T. distributed as to DO easily concentrated
In addition to this, they will DO compos
: ed of men who know the geogrf
ply and topography of the country, an
. whose knowledge of each othG
b will eventual confidence. The yer.
fact OF tho existence of such militar
, machinery, will also tend to prevent til
I commission Of crime which it would !
D more difficult to punish. Upon ii
= whole, the bill OF Mr.. HALL sooms to
= well considered; perhaps state nece
: sity, and one which, it is to be sincere
n hoped, win pass both houses and b.
r come alaw. The emergency clause
inserted.