| From the Wilmington Journal |
| May 28, 1863 |
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| We notice that several of the
papers of this State have expressed themselves opposed to the guarding
of Railroad bridges by the militia of the State. We have used the word
"guarding," but perhaps "watching," would be the
more proper term. We have said nothing previously, although we must
say that we fully concurred with those who thought the calling out of
the militia for that purpose, and in the way it is done, a strange
procedure. The railroads, although some of them are wholly, and others
are in part private property, are also great public lines of
communication essential to the prosecution of the war and the safety
of our armies, and as such demand and receive the attention of the
authorities. When they are threatened, they ought to be defended, and
the militia, or any other force is properly employed in their defence.
Bur four men cannot defend a bridge against any force. they are not
guards. They are only watchmen, and as such ought to be employed by
the Company owning any road upon the line of which any number of
bridges occur, requiring the care of watchmen. It is true, the matter
so far does not amount to any very great thing, though we know that in
some cases it has operated as a serious grievance, and unquestionably
will be felt so in many other cases. With all due respect to the
Governor's opinion, we have no hesitation in expressing our own, that
the matter had better be referred to the managers of the railroads. If
their self-interest does not induce them to see that their roads are
properly watched, we despair of their being better watched by
different squads of unpaid militia sent out and changed every few
days. The expense would be no great thing -- certainly would not be
felt by the roads. |
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