The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-11-21
The Sumter Light infantry.

Mc. Editor: 1t afforded me much pleasure
to attend the inspection lest Friday night of
the Sumter Light Infentry 1t is a fne body
of young men OF martisl bearing aud evident
ly have been brought up 10 high state, l
will not say perfection, both in the manual
aud nanoeuvering. The prcmptuess in obey
ing ead precision 10 executing an order was
remarkable ghsre were however two or
three in ranks who would be improved,
particularly 10 attention, by being subjected
for while to the awkward squad. Ex-
Captain Loring Lee ard Capt. Wilson and
Lieuts Fisbonrne and Doar deserve much
praise not only in efecting such good results
ir matters of detail above referred to, but
OF having infused toto the body az esprit du
element in every military organization from
the company up to the corps. The Asst
Adjt Gen. Frost is military map, every
icch of him, and las made a record which
will entitle hin to promotion at the next
general election. Ny thought however in
starting this notice wss DOT 80 much to speak
OF officers and men as TO throw ont thought
az to the militia of the State.
South Carolina, has certainly made the
highest ostoosl reputation for patriotism aod
g.ilantry 10 sll the wers foreigo and civil in
which the United States bas been engaged
ssnce aad even duriog colonial days The
ueiu reas2u for this is that the State has
fostered military spirit among ber citizens
by sustaining her military academy, and
encouraging military organizations. To
avoid the dangers Ct large standing army
snd the temptation of colonial acquisition by
force of arms-;be two greatest dangers which
uow threaten our republic Each State must
n,astsin Efficient volunteer organizations 10
times Of pesce to be ready eor times of war.
/ consider this 10 be duty each State ewes
to her owo citzsos, as one of Der local affairs !:
and should not be committed 10 the Federal
Government. II is TOO dangerous power TO
tie placed in any other hands. when we con-
sider the pecol;er race problem which has
been imposed upoo the late slave-bodicg
states by the result of the civil war.
We hear today fren Gen Miles buglc
note, which shoald be warning to us of the
south. he says The regular army must be
increased, az the militia cannot be regarded
s.s efficient for even home defence. He has
already forgotten the great lesson taught hy
volunteers on both sides curing the civil
war.
vi Coutse ~ VIII require AUuuaI aPPIoQEIa'
tons to keep up the efficiency Of the State
militia These should be made oy the legie
lature and With no grudging hand.
An efficient infantry company at each
county seat is an object lesson of warning
which ls always read by the ignorant and
criminal class, aud one Of protection sod
securi,y to the defenseless women and chill
dren throughout the country. | will not
presume to advice our Legislators bat Asst.
.Adjs. Gen. Frost's suggestion strikes me as
one of The best have heard, to Wit, to order
10 or IL drills 10 squad and company each
,1ear and to give to each man 81 for each
drill be attends, Withholding same for each
he does Dot attend, and defaultiug certain
member, without suoicieot e1cuse, be be
dropped from the roll OF the compaOy
J. D. 3