In the future of our country we want no large standing army. It is
contrary to the genius of our institutions and to national precedent. We
must throw the duty of national support and defence directly on the
people--to them commit our country's honor. The Swiss motto--'No regular
army, but every citizen a soldier'--must be the foundation of our
military system. The course of the present war has fully demonstrated
the patriotism and loyalty of the people. The Government can rely upon
its citizens in any emergency. What we want is discipline,
organization, instruction. The act of March 3d does not secure these
essential requisites. It has enrolled the people, but has not made them
soldiers. We will not here attempt to describe how this can be secured.
But we may take it for granted that there must be greater facilities for
the military education of the young and the training of officers, a
proper division of the country into military districts, and stated times
for the drill and review of the citizen soldiery. Thus we shall be able
to maintain our national existence against invasion from without and
rebellion from within, and, being prepared for war, will be so much the
more likely to live in peace.
EDITOR'S TABLE.
With the present number, THE CONTINENTAL enters upon a new
volume. No efforts will be spared by its editors to increase its value
to its many patrons. The high character of its political articles,
always emanating from distinguished men and from reliable sources; its
loyal tone and catholic spirit; the great ability with which the
subjects of the deepest interest to the Government and community are
discussed in its pages--entitle it to a high, if not the highest place
among the journals of the country.
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