All the arsenals of the State have been inspected, and found în a condition highly creditable to the officer having charge of that department. By far the greater portion of the arms and munitions of war belonging to the State, are now deposited in the arsenals in the cities of Albany and New-York, while the arsenals at Batavia and Buffalo are comparatively destitute of arms. The disparity in the distribution of the arms of the State among the different arsenals, is made more apparent when it is stated that there upwards of 16,000 muskets at the arsenal in Albany while at Buffalo the number is less than 1,000. It is respectfully suggested whether the exposed situation of the city of Buffalo, and the military spirit existing in the western counties of the State, would not justify the removal of a portion of the arms now deposited at Albany, to the arsenals at Buffalo and Batavia. They should be so distributed as to best meet the wants and convenience of the State. The expense of preserving and keeping them in repair, will not be increased by their removal to the latter places. Reviews of several uniform corps and encampments have been held during the past summer. These reviews of companies and encampments are found to be highly beneficial to officers and soldiers, as a means of cultivating a martial spirit and promoting military discipline, while they at the same time engender in the mind of the citizen witnessing them an increased respect for the militia of the State. Much inconvenience is felt from the want of proper tents for the officers and soldiers during their camp service. While there are hardly tents enough in the State to accommodate three regiments, the law contemplates an encampment of ten days by each regiment. It is respectfully suggested, that some adequate provision should be made for supplying the dif rent regiments with tents and camp furniture adapted to this service. The encampment of the 65th regiment, at Buffale, under the command of Col. G. A. Scroggs, commenced on the 25th and terminated on the 30th of August. It was composed of uniformed militia, numbering 240, rank and file. The military display was highly creditable to the regiment, and excited the admiration of all who witnessed it. The regiment was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Nelson Randall of the eighth division, and by Maj. Gen. John E. Wool, of the U. S. army, who justly complimented in high terms its military discipline and appearance. On the 22d of September the 30th regiment, under the command of Col. John S. Crocker, encamped at Sandy Hill, in the county of Washington, and performed military duty for ten consecutive days. The regiment numbered 250 men, all of whom were in full uniform. During the encampment every duty connected with such a parade, was discharged by officers and soldiers in a manner which reflected the highest credit upon all concerned. Rev. Mr. Fillmore, the chaplain of the regiment, was present and religious services were performed each day at the morning and evening parade. During the Sabbath, religious exercises were had upon the camp ground, which was attended by the whole regiment, and a large number of the citizens from the surrounding country. All the State property in the possession of this regiment was inspected and found to be in excellent condition. Such encampments as those alluded to, and others to which it is unnecessary to make particular reference, are already being held, manifesting, as they do, the true military spirit, united with efficiency in discipline; every friend of the existing military system, will have occasion to feel a just pride in our State militia, when that system shall have been carried into full effect throughout the State. All prejudice existing against any attempt to maintain the militia of the State, in consequence of the failure of old organizations, will soon be removed, and a military force, ample in numbers and efficient in discipline, worthy of the high position of the State, will take the place of the inefficient and dilapidated military organization, which has so long been a reproach and a burthen to our people. As great an improvement upon all previous military organizations, as our present system is conceded to be, yet, in order to render it perfect and harmonious in all its parts, slight modifications and amendments wlll, undoubtedly, from time to time, be required. It has not yet gone sufficiently into effect to warrant ⚫the recommendation of any important modification or amend ment to the provisions of the existing military law. Such modifications and amendments as time and experience may disclose, as necessary, in order to effect a full and successful organization of the militia of the State, will be brought to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief. The maintenance of an efficient military force is enjoined by our Federal and State Constitutions. Its necessity is vindicated by the whole history of the past, as well as the condition of the present. So long as there are individual and national rights to be guarded and preserved, and individuals and nations exist who are willing to violate those rights, it is the imperative duty of every State and nation to sustain a military force adequate to the protection of the rights of the government and its citizens. The primary object of sustaining a well disciplined militia, is to protect the property of the State and its citizens. It is questioned by many whether the military fund should not be supplied by a tax upon property, rather than by a per capita tax, as under the existing law. But the payment of fifty cents per annum, by each citizen subject to military duty, instead of the three days of profitless service on duty, with the expense of equipage, is a great relief to the people, while it will provide the State with a more efficient and better disciplined military force than could be hoped for under our old system of military organization. All of which is respectfully submitted, B. F. BRUCE, Inspector General of the N. Y. S. Militia. [Assembly, No. 8.] 2 |