CHARTIST RECRUITS FOR TIIE ARMY AND NAVY.
I'm years have elapsed since it was considered an imperative duty of the British Government to train the adult population of this country to ;inns. They were drafted into the Militia, and annually for weeks together were subjected to time discipline and instructed in the habits of regular troops. To save expense, the practice of calling out the Militia was discontinued, by the Marquis of LANS.' DOWNE, III 1827 ; and we suspect it is not likely soon to be revived. There have been rumours recently of an intention to reassemble the Militia : but what Minister would venture now to put muskets into the hands of the labouring classes and teach them mili- tary discipline ? There is already some alarm in consequence of the purchase of pikes by probably no great number of the working men ; and Magistrates are directed to watch the proceed- ings at Chartist assemblies, and take note of the speeches de- livered, " that it may be considered whether the parties concerned in such an illegal transaction should not be prosecuted." lint the grounds of apprehension would be for more serious, were many thousands brought into close contact with each other Ibr weeks to- gether with arms in their hands and Chartist doctrines in their heads. Every billetting-house would contain a club of Conven- tionists ; and it would not be surprising were the effectual pm- ceeding of the Irish Volunteers imitated, and petitions for Universal Suffrage forwarded to the Legislature by citizen-soldiers resolved not to lay down their arms till the object was achieved.
It is not unusual to hear men speak slightingly of the power of the Chartists; and their influence on Parliament is small indeed. Neither is there much reason to apprehend outrage from them on the other classes, notwithstanding the menaces uttered by the more reckless and impatient. But a time may come, when, almost with- out an effort, they shall take all which is now refused to them. It
* The Homo Secretary's Lvtter to the Magistrates of eiruncuster.
may happen, and soon too, that the country will require a large army fir foreign and domestic service. That army must be raised - ffom the classes whom we are now afraid to trust with a pike or a pistol. Not a few recruits, who might be awed by established dis- cipline, and rendered powerless in a mass of obedient soldiery, but tens of thousands, would be needed. Suppose another struggle re- sembling the last, against arope and America combined : would the labouring classes in England and Scotland shrink from the de- fence of their country ? Far from it ; but, as sure as the opportu- nity occurred, they would use it to establish their own claims. ;1 mighty change has been wrought in the character of' the British population. They are no longer the ignorant serfs who could be stimulated by cries of " Church and State," "God save the King," and" Down with Bonaparte." They demand physical and intellectual improvement, and a participation in the most esteemed rights of citizenship. They swell with a sense of indignity and wrong. That their present movement has proved a fitilure, what- ever may be the cause, is no balm to their wounded feelings. It will only strengthen the resolve to coerce their adversaries when the means are with them. They will bide their time.
From a population so minded, the British Army must be re- cruited in time of war. The process is even now going on. As sure as one generation dies off and another succeeds, the regular Army and Navy of Great Britain will, bethre ninny years have passed away, be composed of Chartists. Mark that, Lord JOHN ilessma, and Sir Roamer Patas! Your Finality doctrines will soon be preached to men armed and disciplined, and claiming to be citizens as well as soldiers. Take care they don't " purge " your House ! Political fanatics mummy perform the lbat as effectually: as CROMWELL'S religious myrmidons did upon your predecessors.
These unwelcome reflections are suggested by events of the day. There are threatening prospects in every direction. The necessity of augmenting the military force of the country is as- serted by those who act upon their opinions. The Army, Navy, and Ordnance Estimates are increased ; and none offer the slightest available opposition. " The Great Captain " declares that we must have war establishments—that is, more soldiers and sailors ; who will be taken from a class almost universally inoculated with politi- ca: opinions adverse to those of the Government. What miracle if, Instead of' making terms with a petitioning people, time Finality men become thin to sue for merciful consideration from a Chartist army? —who may not be so easily satisfied or duped as the Irish Volun- teers were by the Whig Marquis of ROCRIN0IIA3I.
Previous page
