question is, what organization will, at a given expense, give us the greatest capacity for war? It must be admitted, by every one, that the success of modern wars principally depends upon the skill of the commanders. And it is equally clear that, to form officers, much time is required, in comparison with what will be sufficient to train common soldiers. We have been told that, in the late war, the officers of the former Peace Establishment obtained no distinction.

APRIL, 1822.

tain, forever, a much larger Peace Establishment than the present! Yes, sir, the fact cannot be too deeply impressed, that in a little more than two years of war, the mistaken system into which gentlemen would now carry us, besides the cost. of blood, subjected the nation to the actual loss of a sum which would support an army of ten thousand men for as many centuries. I do then beseech gentlemen, by every consideration, to reflect upon the consequences of the proposed reduction. I beseech them by the lessons of history, by the bloody record of our own disastrous experience, and above all, by the precept of the Father of this Republic; a great and venerable name, destined, I firmly believe, to reclaim us from a downward and degenerate policy, where even reason shall fail. For, of all the great men in America, WASHINGTON alone will be found, "in war and in peace," to have been "wise unto salvation."

When Mr. W. had concluded

Some remarks ensued in relation to the effect of the question before the House, in which Messrs. RHEA, SMITH of Maryland, TAYLOR, and. WILLIAMS of North Carolina, took part.

Mr. COLDEN took a general view of the subject, in opposition to the bill.

Mr. COCKE would vote for the amendment of the gentleman from New York, (Mr. WooDCOCK,) although it did not fully meet his views of the subject.

The question was then taken, and the motion of Mr. WOODCOCK was carried by a large majority.

Mr. WRIGHT spoke in favor of the amendment of Mr. Woodcock.

The question then recurred upon striking out the first section as amended.

Gentlemen are mistaken in point of fact. Have they forgotten the names of Scott, who was among the first to carry the terror of our arms into the frontiers of the enemy?-of Gaines, whom we shall long remember as the hero of Fort Erie? and of thirty others who signalized their skill during every period of the war? But even if the fact were as gentlemen suppose, I would not admit their inference. No historical events could convince me that, as a general rule, officers can be created without much study and long experience. To be sure, as gentlemen say, we have materials enough to make officers, if this could be done by the mere imposition of hands, or the investiture of a red coat. I know we have had many such officers; but we have found from experience that a red coat does not always give assurance that there is an officer and a soldier under it. Gentlemen really talk as if we had only to stamp on the earth, and not only armed men, but trained armies, would rise up to defend us. The hero of New Orleans has been held up as a prop to a falling argument. But Jackson is a man of extraordinary genius, and nothing can be more unwise and unphilosophical than to draw general conclusions from a military prodigy. Taking it for granted then, that skilful and experienced officers are indispensable, and that it is the work of years to Mr. RHEA said he was in favor of retaining make them; it will follow that the extent of your the first section of the bill under consideration. capacity for war depends upon the number of This bill proposes further to reduce the Army. competent officers. Hence the importance of We have been told to give pensions to officers by maintaining in peace the skeleton system, by which way of office. Magnanimous, high-minded men, the Military Establishment can be promptly in- such as the officers of the Army of the United creased to double its present number without ap- States are, will not continue in service on such pointing a single new officer, or changing in any condition; if their country does not desire their respect the organization of the Army. It will only service, they will not desire to continue in it. be necessary to place a new recruit by the side of Very pathetic appeals, in strong language, have each regular soldier, and by this simple operation been made; attempts are made to enlist our feelthe work is completed. And it is admitted that ings in this case. The day of feeling on such in three months, raw soldiers thus thrown in, can subjects is gone by-two laws have been enacted be adequately trained. Thus our present estab- by Congress to reduce the Army of the United lishment gives a capacity for war, equal to what States. By the act of the 3d of March, 1815, we should derive from twelve thousand men upon entitled "An act fixing the Military Peace Estaba war establishment. Nothing is more certain lishment of the United States," the Army was than that the present organization is the most reduced to ten thousand men that was the day economical, as it gives us a given military prepa- of feeling; in virtue of that act thousands of ration for little more than half the sum it would brave meritorious officers and soldiers were discost, if the regiments and companies were kept missed from the service-that was the time of full, as proposed by the gentleman from New feeling, when we were about to say farewell to York. While on the subject of economy, I will thousands of those gallant men who victoriously advert to a single fact, to show the effect of false drove the enemy from our country. I remember economy. I believe it can be shown that fifty (said Mr. R.) when that bill was under considermillions of dollars were wastefully expended in ation, attempts were made to have a section in the late war, for the want of such an organization the law providing that a portion of land might as we now have. If this sum were converted into be given, in proportion to rank, to every officer a permanent fund, the interest of it would main-who, by that act, would be deranged; but a pro

APRIL, 1822.

Military Peace Establishment.

H. of R.

vision of that kind could not obtain. By that the leaders, and of those named barons, became refusal the feelings of several members were out- obnoxious to the chief. Jealousies arose, and raged, but we had to bear it; at that time we finally the power of the barons was put down by were told that every thing promised was given. various ways, and the power of the chief became The law of the 3d of March, 1821, made a fur-paramount; to maintain that power, as well at ther reduction of the Army; by that law many home as abroad, standing armies became necesmeritorious officers and soldiers, and among them sary; and, although but little at the beginning, he who, under the Almighty, directed the ener- they have increased greatly in Europe, and at this gies of this nation against the enemy at New time are deemed necessary to keep in subjection Orleans, and who, with the troops under his com- the unarmed million, and to support power over mand, on the 8th of January, 1815, gained a vic- those called subjects, and to perpetuate their subtory over that enemy-a victory unequalled injection. Between Governments east of the Atancient or modern times-were legislated out of lantic, and that of the United States of America, service. Feelings were high at the time these two there is no similitude-east of the Atlantic the laws were enacted, but they were enacted; and people are subjects, not sovereign, and receive the what was the reason? The state of things in law; in the United States of America the people this nation required their enactment. I remem- are the sovereign, and give the law, that is, they ber, said Mr. R., that, when the act of 1815, fix-ordain and make constitutions and enact laws for ing the Military Peace Establishment, was under their government, and when ordained and enactconsideration in the House of Representatives, a ed, they are the constitutions and laws of freemen. member from Massachusetts urged a reduction of the Army to less than three thousand men, and it was with difficulty that ten thousand men were retained on the Establishment.

It has been asked, what has been done for the officers and soldiers of the Army? To this, it has been answered, that every thing promised has been paid. Congress made ample provision by giving a bounty in land-one quarter section to each soldier who enlisted under the first act, and one half section to each soldier who enlisted under the second act, for five years or during the war, besides bounty in money, subsistence, pay, and clothing; all these things the soldiers merited. The United States of America have always bountifully rewarded the officers and soldiers of their Army. Witness the law giving pensions to officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary army. But it is intimated that the bounty land given to the soldiers is not good; if that be true, it is not to be ascribed to the Government. Congress provided by law that the bounty land be fit for cultivation; if it is not, some mode will be adopted to discover how that is, and who has been the cause of it.

We are told frequently, and politicians repeat and repeat, "that, to preserve peace, we must be prepared for war;" so many talks have been made, within two or three days past, about preparing for war, that I have been, said Mr. R., almost persuaded that we are about to be immediately at war with some Power. We are told that, to preserve peace, we must be prepared for war. If so, then, when will war be, and with whom? What is, or shall be, the necessary measure of preparation? With any of the nations of Europe there is no probability that the United States will soon be at war. The nations and Powers of Europe have business of their own to attend to, and to keep them engaged in preserving their European relations. The differences existing between Russia and Turkey, and the mighty efforts and exertions of the Greeks to liberate themselves from Ottoman despotism, engage the attention of the other Powers of Europe. An invasion by an army of any European Power the United States need not be apprehensive of. The days of such invasion are past. In respect to being prepared for war, as relates to this bill, the proposition argues nothing; the present Military Establishment consists of about It is often urged that, to preserve peace, a na- six thousand men they are scattered in positions tion must be prepared for war. On this proposi- over the United States from east to west, from tion an inquiry arises-at what time will war be? north to south, extending as far as the territories What is the adequate measure of preparation? of this republican empire do extend, and for that The existing nations of Europe, great and pow-reason, to an immediate resistance of invasion, erful several of them, in themselves, and respect- cannot be effectual. It has been said, "let gentleively contiguous to, and surrounded by, powerful men of the South look to a servile war." What nations, are compelled, by the principle of self- an insinuation is this-look to a servile war! preservation, to retain and keep large and numer- From whence, and from whom? The idea of a ous standing armies in time of peace; other rea- servile war never ought to be clothed with words. sons, showing why the ruling powers of the The Constitutional principles of our Government nations of Europe are compelled to keep large are not better understood than they ought to be. and numerous standing armies in time of peace, This is not a consolidated Government-it is a can be stated. The existence of standing armies Government consisting of twenty-four confederain Europe did not always obtain-the overflowing ted States, all sovereignties, independent of each nations of the north, in the decline of the Roman other-each one having a distinct constitution for Empire, poured their swarms from the northern its own internal government; but by the Constihive into the provinces of that Empire, and even tution of their union bound together as one nation, into Italy itself, and ultimately rending in pieces for their general welfare. The citizens of all the that Empire, established new governments there- States, in their Constitutional union, are the soveD, bottomed on the feudal system. The power of reign, and the citizens of each State are the sove

H. OF R.

Proceedings.

APRIL, 1822.

persuade to the adoption of all such measures as will, without a system of internal revenue, conduce to the speedy extinguishment of the public debt. Let it be remembered that a public debt, never to the people of these United States can be a public blessing.

When Mr. R. had concluded

Mr. SMITH, of Maryland, expressed his sentiments in opposition to the motion; when the question was taken thereon, and negatived—ayes 41, noes 89.

On motion of Mr. WILLIAMS, of North Carolina, the Committee rose and reported, and the House adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, April 17.

Mr. BATEMAN, from the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, to which was referred the bill from the Senate, entitled "An act for the relief of Thomas W. Bacot," reported the same without amendment, and it was committed to a Committee of the Whole.

Mr. FRANCIS JOHNSON, from the same committee, reported a bill further to regulate the Post Office Department; which was read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole. Mr. ROCHESTER submitted the following resolution :

reign in that State, for the internal regulations thereof, pursuant to their respective constitutions, not contravening the Constitution of the United States. The defence of this nation is confided to the General Government, but not originally in every case. The fourth section of the fourth article of the Constitution provides that the United States shall guaranty to every State in this Union a republican form of Government, and shall protect each of them against invasion, and, on application, against domestic violence; but each State, in case of invasion, has, in respect to its own safety, a particular duty to perform; a State is prohibited, by the tenth section of the first article of the Constitution, to engage in a war, unless "actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay." The Constitution, in these cases, authorizes a State to engage in war. With what forces shall a State engage in war? Not with the regular troops of the United States, if there be any within its limits. An officer commanding regular troops of the United States might, in the first instance, refuse the orders of a State authority. With whom, and with what description of force, shall a State make war, in case of sudden invasion or imminent danger, that will not admit of delay? With the militia. I repeat, said Mr. R., with the militia, who are the strong bulwark and impregnable defence of this nation; with the militia, who first must meet the storm of Resolved, That the Committee on Roads and Canals invasion; with the militia, from whom is drawn be instructed to inquire into the expediency of proall the materials of a regular army; with the mil-viding by law for the improvement of the navigation itia, that great body of citizens who work for all, who fight for all, and who ultimately pay all. The Constitution of the United States does not contemplate a regular army, except in time of war; the constitutions of the respective States declare standing armies dangerous in time of peace; that principle ought not to be contradicted. Admit the contrary to prevail, and the liberties of the people will ultimately be prostrated. The United States are now a nation of armed citizens. If a great standing army, under any pretence, is established and continued, and the citizens are loaded with taxes of any description to support and maintain that army, they will cease to be a nation of armed freemen, and in the course of a few years will be prostrated from their sovereignty, and become subjects. The United States are now encumbered with a large debt-some of it is the residue of the unpaid debt incurred by the war of the Revolution, and a residue of that incurred in the late war, and for other items of national expenditure. The best policy, in my opinion, said Mr. R., is to adopt such measures as will, without a system of internal revenue, extinguish that debt. The resources of this nation, arising from agriculture and commerce, are great, and will, if not restricted, in a few years, if sufficiently protected, extinguish that debt; the revenue will be relieved from pressure, and may then be applied to any useful purpose. To provide effectually for the extinguishment of the debt of the United States, is the preparation for war. The recollection of the difficulties arising from the scarcity of money, which the United States had to meet during the last war, ought to

of the Hudson river, so as to open a free communication and direct intercourse for vessels of all descriptions with the internal canal navigation of the State of New York.

Mr. EDWARDS, of North Carolina, called for the question of consideration; which was decided in the affirmative.

On the question of agreeing to the resolution, Mr. ROCHESTER made a few remarks in support of it, and Mr. EDWARDS, of North Carolina, in opposition; when the resolution was adopted.

Mr. GORHAM submitted the following resolution, viz:

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be laid before this House a copy of the judicial proceedings in the United States court for the district of Louisiana, in the case of the French slave ship La Pensee, together with a copy of such part as he may not deem inexpedient to disclose of the correspondence of the Executive of the United States with the Government of France in relation

thereto.

The resolution was ordered to lie on the table.

A motion was made by Mr. BRECKENRIDGE, that the Committee of the whole House, to which is committed the bill from the Senate, entitled "An act to define admiralty jurisdiction," and the bill of this House to authorize the holding of a district court at Louisville, in Kentucky, be discharged from the consideration of the said bills; which motion was disagreed to by the House.

A motion was made by Mr. MoORE, of Alabama, that the Committee of the whole House, to which is committed the bill confirming claims to

lots in the town of Mobile, and to land in the former province of West Florida, which claims have been reported favorably on by the commissioners appointed by the United States, be discharged from the consideration thereof; which motion was disagreed to by the House.

Mr. NEWTON gave notice that he should, on Friday next, move for the consideration of the bill to establish the compensation of the officers of the customs, &c.

Mr. Cook gave notice that he would on to-morrow move for the consideration of the report of the select committee appointed on the subject of the examinations of the western land offices, &c.

The House again proceeded to consider the message from the Senate, communicating their disagreement to the amendment of this House to their amendments to the bill, entitled "An act for paying to the State of Missouri three per cent. of the net proceeds arising from the sale of the public lands within the same."

The question thereupon was, whether the House would recede from their disagreement to the amendment of the Senate. The recession was advocated by Mr. RANKIN, and opposed by Mr. TAYLOR and Mr. BUTLER, and after a few further remarks by Mr. GILMER and Mr. Cook, the question was taken, and the House refused to recede from their disagreement, and by a subsequent vote agreed to adhere to the amendment they had previously adopted.

A Message received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES yesterday, was read, and is

as follows:

To the House of Representatives of the United States

H. OF R.

the public reservation, and to improve and orna-
ment certain parts of such reservations; and
5th. An act for the relief of the legal represen-
tatives of Greenberry H. Murphy;

Were, severally read the first and second time, and committed, the first to the Committee on Private Land Claims; the second to the Committee on Commerce; the third to the Committee on Military Affairs; the fourth to the Committee for the District of Columbia; and the fifth to the Committee of Ways and Means.

The bill from the Senate, entitled "An act to perfect certain locations and sales of public lands in Missouri," was read the third time, and passed.

An engrossed joint "resolution providing further security in the transmission of the public mails," was read the third time and passed."

LAND OFFICE AT HUNTSVILLE.

Mr. MOORE, of Alabama, submitted the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to lay before this House a statement showing the amount of public money for which John Brahan, late receiver of public moneys at the land office at Huntsville, was indebted to the Government at the time he was dismissed from office; the amount of public money in the hands of said receiver, at the end of each quarter of every year, from the 1st of January, 1817, till the time of his dismission; all information obtained or received by the said Secretary, as to the use the said receiver made of said money; copies of all letters and instructions from the Department to the said receiver within the said period; all correspondence in the possession of the Department, and other information obtained by the Secretary thereof, in relaIn compliance with a resolution of the House of tion to any improper conduct, violation of official trusts Representatives of the 16th of February last, request- or omission of duty on the part of said receiver; toing the President of the Unted States "to communi-gether with a statement of the time at which the Seccate to that House whether any foreign Government retary was first notified or had reason to suspect such has made any claim to any part of the territory of the improper conduct, violation of official trust, or omis United States, upon the coast of the Pacific Ocean, sion of duty; the measures adopted to recover said north of the 42d degree of latitude, and to what extent; money, (if any;) the time when they were commenwhether any regulations have been made by foreign ced; what agent was employed for that purpose; what Powers, affecting the trade on that coast; and how he accomplished; the compensation allowed him for it affects the interest of this republic; and whether the same; if any mortgage or deed of trust on land has any communications have been made to this Govern- been given-what land? the price at which it was ment, by foreign Powers, touching the contemplated originally sold by the Government; whether, in the occupation of Columbia river;" I now transmit a re- opinion of said Secretary, the valuation of the land port from the Secretary of State, containing the infor- has depreciated? and, if so, whether, making all due mation embraced by that resolution. allowance for such depreciation, the said debt is well secured to the Government; who are the said receiver's securities; in what sum bound; and what proceedings have been instituted against them?

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, April 15, 1822.
The Message was ordered to lie on the table.
Bills from the Senate, of the following titles, to
wit:

1st. An act for the relief of the representatives
of John Donnelson, Thomas Carr, and others;
2d. An act to authorize the building of light-
houses therein mentioned, and for other purposes;
3d. An act to repeal the fourteenth section of
an act to reduce and fix the Military Peace Estab-
lishment of the United States, passed the 2d day
of March, 1821;

4th. An act to authorize and empower the Corporation of the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, to drain the low grounds on or near

Mr. MOORE said the number of abuses which have taken place under the law, operating upon those who have the custody of public money, and the injury Government has sustained have become so extensive and alarming, that I presume these circumstances will afford a sufficient apology for the call on the Treasury Department for the information embraced by this resolution. This information is necessary, because report varies as to the amount of the injury Government has sustained in this particular case, from $83,000 to $160,000.

This resolution also requires information as to

Military Peace Establishment.

the amount of money in the hands of the Receiv-out that part of the fourth section which provided er, at the end of each quarter, from 1817, till dis- to reduce the Quartermaster General to the rank missed from office. This information I have of a colonel; and, after a few remarks by the sought, with a view, that if the law, as it exists at mover, the question was taken, and the motion present, is so lame as not to require returns to be was negatived. made by the Receiver to the Secretary of the Treasury, as to the amount of money in his hands until it has amounted to such an enormous sum, and thereby put it in his power to commit such fraud and abuse, I wish to make it the foundation for a modification of the law in this respect.