The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1894-02-28
THE MODERN MILITIA
WHY is IT KEPT UP, BY WHOM AND
FOR WHAT PURPOSE?

How the Principle Embodied In the Con.
,stitution Has Been Perverted-"These
Troublous Times" Necessitate a Well
Equipped Soldiery.
Especial Correspondence
The First Illinois regiment is, as will
be remembered, at present homeless. It
was proud of its new castlelike armory
a year or so ago, but the boys lost it
not III battle. while bravely defending
1t, but by mere accidental combina-
ton OF the elements, where in the strug-
gle not they, but the fire laddies, reaped
the glory.
1t is sad indeed that these fair vounp
men, accustomed to luxuries and lauda-
lions, have not where to lay their arms.
and the pathos of the situation seems to
appeal strongly to a certain class. A
SURFING appeal is being addressed to
wealthy business men in the city. 1 read
one OF these letters not long since which
had been sent to merchant not SO in
terested in the matter as to hold the
communication sacred. It touchinglv
alluded TO the homelessness of the First
regiment, called attention to the neces-
slty lin these troublous times" of hav
ing we'll equipped militia ready at
hand tor any emergency and asking that
any sum from $25 up be donated for the
purpose OF building a new armory. In
this instance the plea was not success
ful, but there is ample proof that most
OF the appeals were well responded to.
The Times of Feb 10 contains the fol-
lowing:
The heavy contributions made by such cor
poratlons as the North and South Chicago
street railway corporations toward the re-
Dulidlng OF the FIRST regiments medieval FORT
which frowns over Michigan boulevard. giving
the lie to our civilization, will not tend to pom
uiarlze that organization among the people
The militia, If it is to exist at all, should exist
without obligations to corporations.
The editorial item sounds sensible ex-
cept that by inference something is SUM-
posed that never could be true. Is it
possible that an armed class can exist at
all unless it be by ''obligations to cor.
poratlons!' Why should any one expect
the militia to be popular among the
people?" And, when we come to think
of it, what business has frowning fort.
filled to the roof with murderous imple-
ments, manned by trained soldiers, in
the midst Of ''civilized" community?
For the militia of today is not what
was intended at the foundation of this
country. The second amendment of the
constitution reads thus:
A well regulated militia being necessary 70 |
the security of free state, the right of the |
people to keep and bear arms shall not be in
fringed.
This provision for security looks to de-
tense against enemies from the outside, !
possible attacks from foreign foes, In
dams, Mexicans and other hostile invad-
ers It is the only possible excuse for
the existence of state militia, for as
the state is but a government of the peo-
pie by the people it is absurd to suppose
they would set up killing institution
that might at any time be turned upon
themselves.
In the earlier days of this nation the
border states were by no means secure
from invasion. Itwas considered neces-
sary to the public safety that all men
should be prepared to protect themselves
and their homes, and their right to bear
arms was secured to them in the consti-
tuition. But all the ablebodied citizens
OF a state comprised its militia. Every
man drilled. There were regular training
days, which were also holidays for all
the people. The right of the people to
keep and bear arms was not to be in
fringed, and they were all on an equal
footing. The militiamen were at the
same time producers, tradesmen, citi-
zens. There was never thought that
some would turn against the others or
that any occasion could arise which
should make foemen and defenders out
Of the same body.
But as business grew and the system
Of privilege and monopoly thrived arti-
fetal inequalities, such as enormous az
gregations of wealth, powerful corpora
tions and consequent poverty, became
factors in society. The rich found it
would no longer do to trust to all the
people fog security. A nation of equally
armed and drilled people is dangerous
material out of which to make drudges
and victims. Slaves and paupers do no:
kt in well with a populace armed and
ready for defense. Enormous fortunes |
cannot be made without making slaves |
and paupers. So the argument was ad-
vanced that all the people could not give
their time and attention to purposes of
defense, and it was urged that class be
set apart and trained with that object,
leaving the others free to pursue their
Ceilings undisturbed. The argument pre-
vailed. The peoples right to keep and
bear arms was infringed. They have
been disarmed and an armed class set
over them.
There is no longer scarcely pretense
that a militia is kept for the purpose Of
resisting outside invasion. Perhaps
few old fashioned patriots still thought
lessly believe that the militia would pro-
tect them or any ordinary citizen who
needed protection. But almost every
one who thinks about it at all knows
that it exists but for one purpose. The
facts that rich corporations are especial
ly generous and anxiously considerate
toward this class; that only upon rich
-, 40 tho of4icoru 11rOa their claims for