The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-12-04

tion to the average attendance, instead Of
taking the annual inspection, as at present,
as the basis on which the money Is paid.
ion of Section 328, Revised Statutes, which
authorizes the payment Of Sl.50 per day TO
each man when called into service by the Ex-
ecutive. but for which payment the Legisla-
ture, SO far, has never appropriated a dollar.
1t would seem but simple Justice that faith
should be kept with men who voluntarily
give much time, labor and money TO perfect
ing themselves In military duties, and who
are every year called upon to preserve the
peace, and possibly the lives Of useful citi-
zens. I can bear willing testimony to the
alacrity and zeal with which all such calls
have hitherto been cheerfully responded to
by these patriotic volunteers, and. up to the
present, without having received cent for
their valuable services.
Three such calls were made during the year
Just closed and would call your attention tu
the Report and earnestly urge that provision
be made for paying the men the tritiing sum
prescribed by law. 1t is true the amount is
very small, compared with the value of the
services rendered, but the men naturally ex-
pect some recognition, no matter how small,
for the inconvenience, II not danger they
incur In protecting the officers Of the law and
lhus contributing to the peace and welfare OF
the whole State.
1t was impracticable to hold an encamp.
ment this year, there being no appropriation
nor willing to bear the whole burden OF ex.
pense, In addition to losing their time. Near
~ every state In the Union transports, sub
sists and pays officers and men for their time
in camp, In which alone the real duties or u
soldier can be thoroughly learned. In our
sister State. North Carolina annual encamp-
ments are held, the troops being transported
free. AT the last an officer from the regular
army was present, and both officers and men
received much valuable instruction. These
encampments are strongly endorsed By every
officer and by the Adutant General OF the
United States Army as being necessary to
perfect the militia. so that IT could be made
readily available to assist the small standing
army In case Of common danger.
II appears that there is little chance OF the
Confederate rolls ever being completed, some
fifty being still missing, no one having been
found able or willing 10 undertake this very
difficult but patriotic duty. I would suggest
Ing In permanent form those already secured
with great tIouble.
To the various other matters contained In
this Report call your ntion, and earnest
ly hope you Will be able to adopt such meas.
ures as will eventually render our volunteer
force, composed OF the best elements In the
State, one Of the most efficient in the Union.
In connection with this subject would also
earnestly bring to your attention the pro-
pricty OF collecting Tor preservation the bat
tered battle flags Of The companies, battal-
ions and regiments OF the State.
These ensigns represent the honor and val
or of our people, and the State should take
care that they are reverently preserved az
honored memorials Of the gallant and self
sacrificing devotion OF her sons.
Let her request the veterans OF the ConfeG-
crate Army und Navy to send their battle
Scared flags TO the Adjutant and Inspector
Generals Department to be carefully pre-
served In the Capitol In appropriate cases,
where they will bear their silent testimony to
the heroism with which the sons Of Carolina
vindicated her honor, and the selfsacrifice
with which they laid down their lives in her
defence.
1 recommend a small appropriation to
carry out this suggestion and secure the safe
" aud preservation of the flags
PENSIONS
Under the act of Assembly Of 1888, fifty
thousand dollars were appropriated for the
purpose OF paying pension TO The disabled
Confederate soldiers and sailors and the wild
ows OF deceased soldiers.
The Act of the same session of the General
Assembly recognized the Pension Board and
created two County Boards and State Board,
and required the list OF pensioners to be re-
vised by these Boards.
Under these Boards the following persons
have been placed upon the Pension Roll: