The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-12-09
No Military Wanted.

The House announced on Wednesday, by
its refusal TO make any appropriation for
the military, that no military is wanted in
this state. The citzsn-soldiers were told
that If they keep up their organizations
they must do so without any help from the
state, but that they must respond to any
call that the state may make for their
services. On Thursday the House recon
sidered its action TO the extent OF allow
ing tue military two-thirds of the amount
recommended by the finance committee.
Does the House in this matter reflect the
sentiment of the people? There is no hest
tation in saying it does not. In every
county in which there is a military organi
cation the people are over wbelmingly in
favor of liberal treatment Of the military,
and in the counties in which there is no
military organization it is safe to say that
the majority of the people think the mill
tary ought to have help from the state.
The finance committee in recommending an
appropriation OF $50, 900 for the militia, did
so because it believes that the military is
needed and that the people want it.
The House knows the military organiza-
$4,000 ONoAS W 10 hOPb up 10y $1,000 $3.50
it refuse to make the small appropriation
which the finance committee recommended
Simply because it hopes the men who COM
pose our military organizations will sup
port the militia out of their own pockets,
and by making drafts upon the generosity
Of their sriends But may 1t not be mis-
takens The men in the military organiza-
tions are patriotic, and are ready to per-
form any service required OF them by the
state, but If they see that the state does not
appreciate them. and doesn't care whether
their organizations continue to exist or not.
they will lose interest in their military work
and permit their companies to be dis
banded. They will not go on year after year
carrying the burden which their organiza-
tiOns impose upon them and respond TO the
states call for assistance when her peace 10
threatened and her interests are in danger,
il the state shows no appreciation of them
and is so Indifferent to them as to refuse to
help them prepare themselves for the duties
of soldiers.
In at least half dozen states within the
last year there have been distur Dances Of so
serious a character as to call for the inter-
ference Of the military. and what has oc-
CURED in those states is likely to occur in
this state at any time.
The House is carrying economy to a
dangerous extent when it refuses TO assist
the militia. One serious riot might cost the
state great deal more than the amount
the finance committee set apart for the
militia.
Only little more than year ago there
would have been riot IN this city, in all
probability, IL there had been no military
organizations here. The people Of the coun-
ties in which there are no large towns do
not have as clear an understanding OF the
need OF an organized militia as the people Of
the cities, because their properly and lives
are in comparatively little danger from or
gained law-breakers; but they know what
has happened in Tennessee, Pennsylvania
and New York within the last year or two.
and they cannot help knowing also that this
state is not exempt from similar dis
turbances.
1t is the duty of the legislature to pro-
vide for the welfare Of the whole state. The
fact that in some of the counties the mill
tary may never be needed is not q reason
why the military organizations should re
ceive no help from the state.
The truth is. the counties that are
most anxious to improve the mill
tary organizations are those which
yield the greater part OF the
states revenue. That being the case their
wishes with reference to the distribution Of
the revenue should have great weight with
the legislature. 1t Is true that Georgians
are law-abiding people, but in the most
peaceable communities there is not un-
frequently needed military pow or to pre-
serve the peace and enforce the law.
The legislature will make a great mistake
IL it refuses to extend reasonable encourage
ment 20 the military organizations. The
policy it seems disposed to adopt will, in
a short time, leave the state without any
military force.