H. OF R.] Currency. [MARCH 23, 1832. armories. Not more than twenty-one would be needed, and the power of the States to regulate that currency, while, to supply this want, the Government had seventytwo officers at its command. Mr. W. concluded by disclaiming any paltry ambition after popularity, and protesting the independence and integrity of his course. army. and, at this time, appears to be wholly uncalled for by any consideration whatever. The object of the resolution must be to raise revenue, or to prohibit the circulation of such notes as in the estimation of Congress are produc tive of no advantage to the community. It will not be Mr. BARRINGER considered the bill as essential not pretended that a necessity exists for an increase of the only to the perfection, but to the proper existence of the revenue of the country. So far from this being the fact, He adverted to the circumstances which had caus- it has become a matter of the deepest interest to so ma ed the abolition of the ordnance corps, and dwelt upon the ture a system of reduction as to render it acceptable to many and great evils which had grown out of that event; the different portions of the Union. The object, then, the want of all inducement to application and study, with must be to prevent the circulation of notes of low denoa view to the acquirement of the various and extensive mination by the imposition of fines or penalties, under the learning required in a well-trained ordnance officer, guise or pretext of taxation. Perhaps it would be prewhile the appointment was temporary, transient, and mature, at this time, to enter into a discussion of the wholly uncertain. He referred to the insufficiency of a power of Congress to interpose its authority to prevent great part of the muskets provided for the militia during the circulation of bank notes of the denomination men the last war, many of which proved much more destruc- tioned by the resolution. tive to those who used them than to the enemy against If the power exists, it is applicable to notes of every whom they were directed. He insisted much on the advan- description, and may be so wielded as to prevent entirely tages that would follow the proposed amendment, and the circulation of notes issued by authority of the Legisla The right of the States to denied that any additional expense would be incurred by tures of the respective States. the country. A certain amount of patronage would be charter banks, and to prescribe the kind of notes that given to somebody, he did not know whom. He presum- shall be put in circulation, I believe has never been quesed the selection would be made by a board of commis- tioned. The uninterrupted exercise of the power, before sioners, and that it would be made without partiality, from and since the adoption of the constitution, is of itself enough One of the great objections the best and most competent officers the country could to put this question to rest. produce. that have been urged in taking the stock of the Bank of the United States by the State Legislatures, is, that the inst tution might in that way be entirely destroyed. If Co gress have the power to charter a bank, they ought to But if you give to super-possess the power of protecting it. Mr. BATES, of Maine, now moved the previous question, but the House refused to sustain the call. Mr. DUNCAN inquired whether the bill proposed to retain the four supernumerary captains and forty numerary lieutenants now attached to the artillery. Congress the power of creation, and to the States the Mr. DRAYTON replied in the negative, and again brief-power of destruction, you introduce a state of things ly explained the provisions of the bill. Mr. DEARBORN addressed the House in favor of the bill. He enlarged upon the advantage of the new plan, as furnishing a valuable school for junior artillerists, who, having been detailed into the ordnance for a season, would return to their own regiments prepared to become accomplished and efficient officers. He was not acquainted with the present state of this corps, but he took it for granted there were many gentlemen in it, who were not competent to instruct young officers in that extensive range of science that was requisite to a due discharge of the duties of the ordnance service. The experience of all nations had shown the wisdom of a division of labor, in order to the attainment of perfection either in arts or in arms. It would certainly be expedient to apply this principle to our own military establishment, and to afford to our gallant and aspiring young men the means of acquiring all that knowledge which would make them the ornament as well as the defence of their country. Before any question was taken on the bill, FRIDAY, MARCH 23. CURRENCY. The resolution of Mr. WILDE, on the subject of the coins of the United States, again coming up as the unfinished business from yesterday morning, wholly irreconcilable with the beneficial exercise of the power on the part of the General Government. It would be worse than in vain to claim that as a right which is la ble daily to be rendered wholly inefficient in the hands of those claiming to possess the right. If it be true that the States cannot tax the stock of the Bank of the United States without the assent of Congress, because it would be placing in the hands of one power, or branch of the Go vernment, the ability to destroy the creation of another, it is equally true that Congress have not the power, further than for the legitimate purposes of revenue, to destroy the local currency of the States, which has the sanction and approbation of the Legislatures of those States. In the portion of the country in which I reside, no in convenience is felt, and no complaints exist, in relation to the currency. It is better at this time than perhaps it ever has been, and I feel no disposition to disturb it by voting for the proposed inquiry. You I do not profess to have much knowledge of the subject embraced in the first part of the resolution. It proposes that the United States shall, upon the terms specified the resolution, become dealers in the gold bullion of the country. This can only be effected in one way. must create, by appropriation, capital stock sufficient to carry on the trade, and you must appoint officers possess ing integrity, and the necessary skill to manage its coa cerns. In a word, sir, we must establish a trading house, with all the checks and securities that ingenuity can threw Mr. IRVIN, of Ohio, said, when this resolution was around it, to prevent losses to the Government. And may before the House yesterday, he then intended to move to inquire for whose benefit? Sir, we may legislate as much strike out that part of it which proposes an inquiry into as we please, but we can never preserve a metallic cu the expediency of "imposing a duty on bank bills of low rency until the balance of trade is in our favor. This denomination, or a tax on the banks issuing them; or pro- much more likely to be effected by industry on the on viding that the bills of such banks shall not be received in hand, and frugality and economy on the other, than by an payment to, or deposited on account of, the United States;" attempts, on our part, to retain it in the country by but was prevented from so doing by a call for the orders legislation. We have already topics enough to occ of the day. py our attention, without increasing their number of The portion of the resolution to which I refer, said an inquiry so deeply affecting State rights as the one pre Mr. I., deeply involves the local currency of the country, posed. MARCH 26, 1832.] Currency.--Ordnance Corps. [H. OF R. reasons why he desired the appointments in the ordnance corps to be made exclusively from the artillery. Mr. COKE went into an explanation in reply, repeating, in substance, the grounds he had before taken in sup port of the instructions he had moved. Mr. SPEIGHT supported the views just expressed by Mr. Invix, and, as an advocate of State rights, protested against so great an encroachment as was contemplated by the clause referred to. He found the time was rapidly coming when the powers of this Government, instead of being circumscribed, were to be yet further enlarged. Mr. BATES, though in favor of part of the instructions, The Government certainly had a right to declare what remained opposed to the restriction alluded to. species of money might be received in payment of Mr. DRAYTON went at considerable length into a the debts due to it; but it had no right whatever to inter-reply to Mr. COKE's and Mr. WILLIAMS's objections to fere with the circulating medium of the States. He con- the bill, stating, in addition to the arguments he had urged sidered this as one preparatory step toward fixing forever on Friday, an explanation as to the relative number of the on the people the mammoth Bank of the United States. officers and men at some of the posts. The reason why Mr. S. concluded by moving to amend the resolution by two officers were stationed at the same post was that one striking from it the clause which proposed an inquiry as of them might act as instructer to the other. The hired to the propriety of stamping bank notes and taxing banks men were fewer during the winter months, and more nuof the States. merous in summer. The proposed arrangement would effect a saving to the United States of several thousand dollars annually. Mr. WICKLIFFE, observing that this was a mere resolution for inquiry, moved, with a view to save the time of the House, the previous question. The House sustained the call-yeas 70, nays 50; and the previous question was ordered--yeas 81. Mr. HOGAN moved that the question be divided, and first put upon the first clause of the resolution. Mr. WILDE inquired whether the effect of this motion would preclude debate on the residue of the resolution. The CHAIR replying in the affirmative, Mr. WILDE said he hoped the vote for the previous question would be reconsidered, as he had forborne to defend the resolution, although it was in his power satisfactorily to answer all the objections which had been urged against it. Before any further proceedings on the resolution took place, the hour allotted to morning business expired; and, after spending some time on private bills, Adjourned to Monday. MONDAY, MARCH 26. CURRENCY. The resolution on the subject of coins coming up from Friday last, under an order for the previous question thereupon, and the resolution having been read as modified, Mr. WILDE made an appeal to the House, urging his request that the order for the previous question might be rescinded, in order that Mr. W. might have an opportunity of replying to the objections which had been urged against the resolution, particularly that which referred to the constitutional power of Congress in the case. He was the more anxious to reply to that argument, because he came from a portion of the Union which was known to be very tenacious on the subject of constitutional rights. The order for the previous question was, thereupon, rescinded by unanimous consent. Mr. SPEIGHT withdrew the amendment he had offer. ed to the resolution, reserving to himself the privilege of offering it hereafter. Mr. WILDE moved that the further consideration of is resolution be postponed to Friday morning next; which was agreed to. Mr. DUNCAN stated that he had prepared the following amendment, which he suggested to Mr. CoкE as a modification of the instructions moved by him: "To recommit this bill with instructions to report a bill to organize the Ordnance Department, to extend all the other staff departments of the army, where it may be required for the public service, so that each corps or department shall be perfect and distinct, without a detail from the officers of the line, all of said staff officers to be selected from the army agreeably to their respective grades; and to reduce the army so as to conform the number of officers in the line to the number of brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies in the service, so that there shall be to a brigade one brigadier general and his staff; to a regiment, one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, and the colonel's staff; to a company of artillery, ten captains, ten first and twenty second lieutenants; to a company of infantry, ten captains, ten first and ten second lieutenants; the selections of officers so retained to be made with reference to rank and merit, and all supernumeraries to be disbanded: also, to provide that no preference be given exclusively to cadets educated at West Point; in filling vacancies which may happen in the army; to increase the pay of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers, so as to give them exactly what will be saved by disbanding the supernumerary officers; and to provide a bounty of money or land for each person who shall faithfully serve two terms of five years as a non-commissioned officer or soldier in the army of the United States." Mr. COKE not accepting the amendment, it was pronounced not in order by the CHAIR. Mr. THOMPSON, of Georgia, said he had cherished the hope that a measure of such material importance as that proposed by the bill to reorganize the Ordnance Department, would pass the House without further discussion. He regretted that an honorable member from Virginia, [Mr. COKE,] and another from North Carolina, [Mr. WILLIAMS,] had manifested such opposition to the proposed reorganization, and he still cherished a hope that all opposition to the passage of the bill would be withdrawn; for, surely, said Mr. T., no gentleman on this floor can doubt the passage of a bill proposing a reform so radical, in a department so important. Sir, said Mr. T., having been for several sessions of Congress at the head of the Committee on the Militia, during which this proposition was repeatedly presented for the consideration of this House, it became my duty to look into the subject; and satisfied as I Mr. THOMPSON having expressed his hopes that, as am, by a scrupulous examination of its merits, that the bill here was no doubt of the ultimate passage of the bill, the ought to pass, I feel myself somewhat called upon to anpposition to it, which only consumed time, would be with-swer the objections which have been urged against its pas Certain estimates, going to show the relative cost of the ssue of a paper and a metallic currency, were, at his request, ordered to be printed. ORDNANCE CORPS. The House again took up the ordnance bill. rawn, sage. The gentleman from Virginia set out with an The question was about to be taken on recommitting the acknowledgment (the candor of which he will allow me ill, with instructions, as moved on Friday by Mr. COKE; respectfully towards him to say was obvious to all) that when he was very little acquainted with military matters." Mr. BATES, of Maine, wished Mr. Coкe to state the His first objection to the proposed reorganization was, as VOL. VIIL-141 H. OF R.] Ordnance Corps. [MARCH 26, 1832. I understood the gentleman, founded in the idea that the under the present system than artillery pay. Sir, the pay freemen of our country would be most efficient in the field of a colonel of artillery, on ordnance duty, is ninety dolof battle, if permitted to use the arms to which they are lars per month, while artillery pay proper is but seventy-five accustomed, and for which, as the gentleman says, "they dollars per month; and a proportionate difference between have formed a sort of affection:" he, therefore objects to the ordnance and artillery pay is maintained through the the passage of the bill, because a consequence of the ope- subordinate grades of office. But the Pikesville arsenal, ration of the proposed system would be to supersede the with its lieutenant colonel, first lieutenant, and eight mer, use of the squirrel guns and fowling pieces generally in the formed, in the estimation of the gentleman from North hands of the yeomanry of the country, by arms of uniform Carolina, another objection to the bill now on its passagE calibre. Why, sir, a moment's reflection will satisfy the Sir, without stopping to remind the gentleman that the gentleman that an army composed of individuals of un- circumstance, which he chooses to consider an evil, is con paralleled gallantry, so equipped, would, while accommo- nected with, and exists under, the present system, I wil dating prepared cartridges or other ammunition to such a inform him that, if he will take the trouble to exame variety of calibres in the presence of an enemy, become an the documents from the War Department, laid on our taeasy prey to a well equipped and disciplined foe. Again, bles in answer to his own call, he will see that this Petthe gentleman from Virginia, for the purpose of support- tenant colonel is also inspector of ordnance, and that his ing the amendment offered by him, which proposes to duties as such requires him to visit the cannon four dres confine the selection of officers for the ordnance service at Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, Richmor to the artillery corps, proceeded on the idea that the Ord- Virginia, and West Point, in the State of New York. nance Department is designed to superintend the con- the absence of the lieutenant colonel, would the genk struction and preservation of cannon and gun carriages man from North Carolina hand over to the eight privats alone; whereas arms of all descriptions, with all the muni- stationed at Pikesville, the keys of the powder mag tions of war, came within the description of ordnance zine and arsenal storehouses, containing about half a mill stores, and are equally and necessarily intended to be ob- of dollars worth of public property? Will he not rathe jects of the attention, care, and supervision of the Ord- assent to the propriety of confiding this important trust nance Department. And is not a practical knowledge of a first lieutenant, instead of the eight privates, during the the art of construction, use, repair, and preservation of necessary absence of the lieutenant colonel? If the geteach article comprised in the general term, munitions, as tleman had examined this objection a little more minute necessary to an officer of any other corps of the army, as I am sure he would not have exhibited it here. Sir, 1 it is to an officer of artillery? Why then restrict the selec- additional proofs of the insufficiency of the existing system tion to the artillery? But gentlemen ask, why change a required? Let gentlemen imagine near one mill os system which has been in operation so many years? I an-dollars annually disbursed by a new and inexperienced swer, because so many years' experience has proved it to of officers for each succeeding year, (many serve in the be radically defective. The want of practical knowledge Ordnance Department but one year,) providing car relative to the construction of gun carriages; the want of mortars, howitzers, cannon shot, shells, muskets, pistis experience in making contracts for timber; ignorance of swords, and artillery carriages, with every article reces the quality of iron necessarily used, with a want of sary to the supply of your fortresses, your army, and t experience in the ordinary details of business in the de- militia. Go and examine the War Office, examine the partment, subjects the disbursing officer, under the ope- books of the Ordnance, the Second Comptroller's, and ration of the existing system, to impositions, resulting in Second Auditor's offices, where you will find conclus great loss to the Government. Under the operation of the evidence of the disastrous insufficiency of the presentspresent system, each succeeding year involves the Go- tem, to secure the Government rgainst ruinous loss in de vernment in similar loss, because each succeeding year construction, purchase, and preservation of those supple brings a change which substitutes officers without experi- Why, sir, does not the fabrication of these supplis & ence, for officers who have acquired one year's experi- quire skill and experience? And shall we confide sc ence in the service of the Ordnance Department. Again, portant a duty to the fluctuating details from the artik under the present system, an officer who is destitute of a On the contrary, is it not our duty to entrust this inp practical knowledge of the armorer's and gunsmith's busi-ant, this great national matter, to a select, a perman ness, is ordered to inspect a given number of muskets, or corps of officers, such as is proposed by this bill s any other description of arms or weapons of war, to be deli- sir, the interest of the Government requires it. S vered to the United States on contract. Unacquainted gentleman from North Carolina was in error when be»with the fabrication of muskets or the other articles so to be that this House, in 1821, decided to blend the orda delivered, as the inspecting officer must almost necessarily with the artillery corps. In that year, when the su be, it is impossible that the United States can escape im- of a proposition to reduce the army from 10, position and consequent loss. And each succeeding year 6,000 men, was pending in this House, a motion was adds to these impositions and losses, as each year brings by a gentleman from Virginia (I believe the gent with it a change of officers charged with the performance now at the head of the Committee on Foreign Relati of this important duty. The Frankford arsenal near to retain the ordnance as a separate and distinct cops Philadelphia attracted the notice of the gentleman from the army, which motion was sustained by a vote of North Carolina, [Mr. WILLIAMS.] Sir, does not the gen- four to thirty-seven. This amendment was stricken con tleman perceive that what he complains of is an evil re- the Senate by a majority of one vote. On the return sulting from the operation of the existing system? This the bill to the House, the House, fearing that the pro is one of the evils which the proposed reorganization is ed reduction of the army would fail, reluctantly concu intended to correct. Gentlemen who complain of this in the Senate's amendment. The experiment was fa evil, should aid us to pass this bill, that, by its operation, tested during the five years which intervened the the brevet colonel, who is now at that post, may be sent to 1821, when the ordnance and artillery corps were the regiment of artillery to which he belongs. If the gen- ed, and the year 1826, at such loss and inconvenience tleman from North Carolina is desirous to correct the evils the Government, as induced two incumbents of the Sc of which he complains, he will come to the support of this taryship of the War Department during the late admins bill, which will reduce the ordnance to artillery pay; for tion, (the honorable James Barbour and the honorable Pe the gentleman must know that, while the ordnance pay B. Porter,) and the honorable John H. Eaton, and they is kept up as high as it is now, field officers of the artille-norable Lewis Cass, Secretaries of the Department of W ry will prefer the ordnance pay, which is much higher under the present administration, to recommend urge MARCH 26, 1832.] Ordnance Corps. [H. OF R. the establishment of the Ordnance Department as a sepa-pensable. Then is it not important that the President rate and distinct branch of the service; and yielding to should have the power to bring to the service of that the propriety and necessity of such establishment, the Se- department the best talents of the army? In making the nate have sent us this bill, which passed by that body with- selection, he ought not to be restricted. By the proviout a dissenting vote. It is admitted that the provisions sions of this bill, the officers of no particular corps of the of this bill will add ten officers to the present military es- army are excluded, nor is the selection confined to any tablishment of the United States, but it is not admitted as particular corps. While the repealing clause in this bill forming an objection to the bill, because the proposed ad- seems to exclude the artillery from the ordnance service, dition, in combination with the other provisions contained the proviso connected with that clause submits to the in the bill, will not only render the system more efficient, discretion of the President of the United States the nebut will lessen the expenditures of the Government in re-cessary details from the artillery. And to give to the ference to the Ordnance Department. When gentlemen service of the Ordnance Department the best talents, I told us that the proposed reorganization of this department have no doubt that the selections to be made, under the would involve the Government in additional expenditures, provisions of this bill, will be committed to a board of they surely did not recollect, if they had ever noticed, that general officers, who may be presumed to have a correct this bill proposes to reduce the ordnance to artillery pay. knowledge of the talents and capability of the officers And if gentlemen will take the trouble to calculate the individually from whom the selections are to be made. difference between the pay of the officers of the Ordnance Why then recommit this bill with the instructions proDepartment under the present system, and the pay pro- posed in the amendment offered by the gentleman from vided by this bill, with the difference between the pay of Virginia? Sir, this subject has been repeatedly pressed hired and enlisted workmen, they will find that the ag- upon the attention of Congress by the War Department. gregate difference will amount to a saving of more than The proposed reorganization has been repeatedly report$15,000 to the Government annually. I repeat that the ed to this House by the appropriate committee. proposed reorganization of the Ordnance Department, if adopted, will effect a saving to the Government of more than $15,000. Under the present system, there is now paid to thirty-four artillery officers, performing ordnance duty, including rations, forage, and servants, per month, Pay to fourteen permanent officers, proposed by the new organization, per month, Add for ten first and ten second lieutenants, per month, to be detailed as provided for, Substitute two hundred enlisted men for the same number of hired men, at a saving of five dollars per month each, Reduction per month, Saving per annum, $1,690 00 - 1,300 00 It has passed this House at least once, and once unanimously in the Senate, and reported from the Senate to the House during the present session, and is now on its passage. And what is proposed at this advanced stage of the session? Why, to recommit the bill with instructions. If this motion prevails, what will be the effect, but to - $3,259 50 place the bill at the foot of the calendar, and so defeat its passage? But the gentleman from Virginia tells us that there are abuses in all the departments of the army; that, notwithstanding the pay of the different corps is fixed by law, the officers manage to receive something in addition to the pay prescribed by law as a compensation for extra service, and that he is therefore desirous to re-2,990 00 commit this bill, for the purpose of so amending it as to prevent, in future, such abuses in the Ordnance Depart269 50 ment. Now this may all be true; but can the gentleman, by his proposed amendment, (modify it as he may,) interpose a more effectual guard against the recurrence of the evil of which he complains, than is afforded by the bill in 1,000 00 its present shape, the provisions of which expressly reduce the ordnance to artillery pay? Instead of embar1,269 50 rassing this bill, which relates to a single department of 12 the army, by an amendment suggested to the gentleman in relation to abuses common to all the departments, I $15,234 00 will suggest to the gentleman the propriety of applying Sir, the gentleman from Virginia objects to the passage a general remedy for those evils, if they do exist, by the of this bill, because it may have the effect to bring young adoption of a general rule of action. The joint resolulieutenants into the service of the Ordnance Department, tion regulating the pay of the marine corps will serve him to the exclusion of old and experienced captains; he as a guide. Such a resolution, or a separate enactment, would, therefore, restrict the President in the selection. embracing the whole scope of abuses at once, should Sir, it cannot be any disparagement to those meritorious surely be preferred to an application, in detail, of a rememen, whose interest the gentleman is desirous to foster, dy for a general evil. Sir, I can very readily imagine for me to presume that they were recommended to the that officers of the artillery, especially field officers, are military service in the late war, more by their personal opposed to the passage of this bill, because it will have gallantry, good sense, and manly character, than by any the effect to reduce considerably their pay for ordnance scientific attainments which they were supposed to pos- service. But it is difficult for me to perceive any substansess; and, as the gentleman must admit that this depart- tial reason for opposition to it on this floor, where, as it ment now proposed to be reorganized is not only of pri- seems to me, it must be obvious that the proposed reormary importance, but that scientific skill, in the perform-ganization will not only make the Ordnance Department ance of the duties assigned to it, is equally important, much more efficient, but that it will greatly reduce the why, let me ask, should the President be restricted in the expenses of that department. Mr. Chairman, we repubselection of officers to fill that corps? Why, sir, if the licans of the old school, especially of the Virginia stamp, whole army of the United States should be abolished to have uniformly considered the American militia the conday, it would be necessary to retain the Ordnance De-stitutional and most appropriate arm of defence of this partment in some form or another; so long as we have great republic; and if it be so, it is surely important that arsenals, depots, and national armories, with a vast amount you should give to it all the character, dignity, and effiof public property, consisting of arms of all kinds, mili- ciency possible. Sir, the character, dignity, and efficiency tary stores, and munitions of war, and which is constantly of your militia mainly depends upon a correct organizaincreasing, and especially so long as we have a national tion and administration of the Ordnance Department. The militia, so long will an Ordnance Department be indis- proposed reorganization is called for, not only by the de H. OF R.] Ordnance Corps. [MARCH 26, 1832. fects of the existing system, but also by the opinion of two majors, ten captains, and sergeants with the extra gentlemen possessing scientific knowledge and practical pay of five dollars each per month, partaking of the military skill, who approve the bill now under considera- character of officers and solders, but who will be found tion. The objections against its passage are urged by to incline to the officer rather than to the soldier, almost gentlemen who do not pretend to such knowledge and without number. Further, sir, your army, which Conskill. And will this House sustain these objections? Re- gress has twice determined should not be increased, is to lying somewhat upon the professional science, practical be increased two hundred and fifty men. The third secskill, and integrity of others, and distrusting their own tion of the bill gives to the President authority to select opinions, ought not those gentlemen to withdraw objec- from the regiments of artillery such number of lieutenants tions which may have resulted from their want of such as may be necessary for the performance of the duties of skill and knowledge? Sir, I do trust that the House are the Ordnance Department. not only satisfied of the propriety and importance of the passage of this bill, but that it will be permitted to pass without further opposition. Mr. PEARCE then rose, and said that, inasmuch as the amendment could not be accepted, this alone would be a reason with him for his vote against the bill. There were others, however, to which he would call the attention of the House. This is a military bill, and the House seems to have left the consideration of it, to the present period, with one exception, to military men; honorable and eminent as they are, Mr. P. said he preferred an examination for his own satisfaction. By whom, said he, is this bill, which, as we have been told, comes to the House under the auspices of the War Department, advocated and pressed upon the favorable consideration of the House? By the chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, by the chairman of the Committee on the Militia, and by the gentleman who has just taken his seat, [Mr. THOMPSON, of Georgia,] who was the chairman of the Committee on the Militia at the last session of Congress. Other military men have their eyes upon it, and, among others, my gallant friend from New York, [Mr. WARD,] one of the gallant officers of the late war, ready, or, from his notes of preparation, will soon be ready, to take the floor in its behalf. Curiosity, more than any thing else, urged as this bill has been upon the favorable consideration of the House, forced as I think we have been to adopt it without the usual deliberation and consideration, has prompted me to examine it. I am any thing but a military man; but from the slight examination given it, I think I have made some discoveries which ought to induce even military men to withhold their support. The House will indulge me in a cursory examination of the bill at this time. The first section provides for one colonel and one lieutenant colonel, two majors, ten captains, and as many enlisted men as the public service may require, not exceeding two hundred and fifty. The public service will no doubt always require the two hundred and fifty. The colonel, lieutenant colonel, majors, and captains, may, according to the tenor of that section, be taken from the army, and any part of the army, or from the citizens at large. The section gives to the Secretary of War the authority to select from the sergeants of the line of the army as many ordnance sergeants as the service may require, not to exceed one for each military post; and whether each military post has reference to the places where any portion of our army is stationed, or to those places where a part of the ordnance corps is to be stationed, is left altogether to conjecture; if the former, then I should suppose these sergeants, whose duty it shall be to receive and preserve the ordnance, arms, ammunition, and other military stores at the post, under the direction of the commanding officer of the same, and under such regulations as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of War, will amount to at least fifty, and may hereafter amount to one hundred. These men, who are to be in fact neither officers nor soldiers, mere amphibious animals, with the double character of officer and soldier, are to receive for their services five dollars per month, in addition to their pay in the line. This, we have been repeatedly told, is a bill of economy-a bill which will authorize the President to add to your army one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, From this examination, said Mr. P., what does this bill propose? To increase your army two hundred and fifty men; to add to that army ten captains, two majors, one lieutenant colonel, and one colonel; nay, more, to add to it some fifty or one hundred men, who will hereafter claim all the rights of officers, and for whom provision must hereafter be made as officers. This is not all; as the President has an unlimited discretion in detailing lieute nants of the artillery for ordnance duty, every lieutenant detailed necessarily makes a vacancy for some one to fill his place; what the number will be, no one can tell. I would ask the chairman of the committee who reported this bill, [Mr. DRAYTON,] if he had reported a bill to increase the line of the army two hundred and fifty: a small number, I know, but Congress has said to the mili tary, thus far shalt thou go, and no farther; to add to it ten captains, two majors, one lieutenant colonel, one Colonel, sergeants like those referred to, and give to the President unlimited discretion in his selection of lieute nants of the artillery for ordnance duty, whether he could have confidently calculated on the votes of this House in favor of it. I verily believe that gentleman, knowing as well as he does the temper of the House, and the feelings of the nation, would say that he could not. There is nothing in the genius of our constitution that is military; there is nothing in any of our institutions of that character. If we have danced to the tune of "arms and the man I sing," we are now tired of it, and now are un willing to adopt as our motto, toga cedat armis. Why, then, Mr. Speaker, should we be called by indirection to do what every one almost is willing to acknowledge, if the proposition was put directly to the House, we should si most unanimously spurn? Mr. Speaker, even in these times, piping times of peace, it behooves us to have a care lest the military steal a march of us. My remarks have thus far been against any increase of the army; but, sit, if you make an increase, will you by that increase be wi ling to add injustice to any part of your army? The gentleman from Virginia [Mr. COKE] is opposed to the provisions of this bill, because, as he says, the officers for the ordnance corps may be selected from any portion of the army. One of the grounds of my opposition to it is, that, from the language and spirit of it, the President and Secretary of War will necessarily be confined in their s lection to one corps of the army, to the exclusion of all the other branches. Heretofore, the officers of the artillery have been exclusively detailed for the performance of ordnance duties, and, from the letter as well as the spirit of this bill, what has heretofore will hereafter be done; for in the detailing of lieutenants for ordnance duties, the se lection is, by the very words of the bill, to be made from the artillery corps. As artillery officers have heretofore done ordnance duties, the inference will be that all the selections will be made from one corps, to the exclusion of all the others. Mr. Speaker, will this be right? Hitherto, officers of one corps have performed all the duties of a ordnance corps; and that they have not met the expecta tions of the public, is inferable from the introduction of this very bill; for if the duties had been as fully and satis factorily discharged as they ought to have been, why the necessity of this bill? And, sir, why should officers of one corps be hereafter, |