Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-13
THE RESERVE MILITIA
ABOUT 100000 vIRGINIANs LIABLE
TO CALL.
HOW THEY WOULD Be ORGANIZED.
The Governor Would Appoint All
Field Omcers-Compnny Officers
Would BE EIected-yirginiaW Would
Probably Furnish 10000 Men.

The number OF letters which Governor
Tyler has received from men all over the
State who want to raise troops to serve
against Spain in case of war is greater
than on any subject since his admins
tration began.
Did he authorize all who request per-
mission to raise companies to do so,
force OF perhaps $1,000 men could be got
ten together in very short time. Their
equipment, of course, would be another
matter.
1t IS not generally understood that
the militia Of the State is divided into
the active and the reserve force. The
former includes the present organized
force. numbering about 2,7CO men, which
would probably be swelled to 1900 In
case OF war This force would be the
first called out.
THE RESERVE MILITIA.
The reserve militia consists of all able
bodied men between the ages Of is and 50,
with certain exceptions, including nearly
all State officials, court officers, customs
officers. and clerks, ministers Of the
Gospel and others.
The total strength of the reserve force
at the last census was 292,595. This force
consists of five divisions, or, rather, is
supposed to be divided in that manner,
for as matter Of fact. this force is en-
tlrely unorganized. BY the Code of 1873
these divisions are assigned to certain
sections Of the state. For instance, the
First Division is composed Of the Fourth,
Tenth. Eleventh, Twelfth, and Fifteenth
brigades. These brigades embrace the
militia in the counties of Chesterfield,
Nottoway. Amelia, Powhatan, Cumber-
land. Buckingham, AppOmattox, Henry
Franklin. Pittsylvania, Halifax, Char
lotto. Prince Edward, Bedford, Camp
hell. and the city of Lynchburg, Din
widdie, Greenesvil,e. Brunswick, Lunen-
burg. Mecklenburg, and the city Of Peters
burg.
The officers Of the divisions brigades
and regiments are supposed to be desig-
mated, and the men enrolled. As mat
ter Of fact, no such designation or enrol
ment exists. There IS some doubt as to
the laws on the subject Of the reserve
militia. and Governor Tyler will take no
steps to raise volunteer lOICt ulll--
called on by the President to furnish
troops.
VIRGINIA WOULD SEND 10000.
It is thought fair to assume that Nir
ginia would not in the event OF war
| nave to furnish over 10000 men. As
Stunning that the active force would b
recruited to 5000 men, this would leave
| only 1000 to be furnished from the reserve
| militia. To do this the Governor wouiC
| probably assign certain regiments TO Ger
| tain districts I'm the manner prescribed by
! the code of 1873 for the assignment o
! divisions and brigades
After having made these assignments
! Governor Tyler would then select IN
! colonies and field officers. These i'm turf
would then select temporary captains
who would raise their companies. afte
which all officers, not appointed by tn
! Governor. would be elected, and the regi
| ment thus organized.
| All appointments made by the Gov
ernor Of officers in the reserve mihti
are subject to confirmation by the Senate
This applies TO major-generals, brigadier
generals. colonels, Observation-Disclosures
and majors. All company officers ar
! elected.