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DOC 17 MK NTSACCOMPANYING TIIK I’UESIOKNT’s M liiiS All K.KEPOttT QT TIIK SKCRF.TAUY OF WAR—CONCLUDKO.Tt is important that a just pride of clmracter, personal and professional, should be encouraged in a class ot mm, whose usefulness depends essentially upon the cultivation of svich a feeling. This system of promotion, so useful in war and economical in peace, offers honorable objec’s of ambition, an 1 cannot tail to stimulate the exertions of the officers of the army.The situation of the militia demands the attention of the Government, Owing to defects in the system itself, or in the mode of its administration, public confidence has been impaired in the efficacy of that great branch of the national defence. This is to be regretted ; for, although this force cannot be rlt; guarded us our most impor tant means of safety mThe event of war, it is still a valuable auxiliary, and one which the nature of our institutions, opposed as they are tu a large standing army, rentiers indispensable. The power of organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, is granted by the Constitution to Congress ; and if the laws -upou this subject are inadequate, or inadequately executed, it is for the wisdom of that body to apply the remedy.If this great defensive force be called out under pro per circumstances, it may contribute, essentially, to the security of the country. In recurring to our own experience, wc find many instances of the courage and dev or. ted n ess of our militia; and the two battles that opened and closed our military history, furnish practical illustrations of the value of this institution, and of its powerful effects in situations favorable to its operation. The National Guard of France, upon which the fate of that interesting country seems to depend, is but a local militia, constituted like our volunteer companies, but with u more efficient organization. By anticipating too much, however, from our militia force, we prepare the way tor disappointment; and tins wasfthe error of the late w ar : in consequence of which, our attention has been probably withdrawn from tl»e value of the system itself. A regular force is indispensable to the vigorous prosecution of any permanent military operations, offensive or defensive. But it may be aided by irregular troops, and its place alsj supplied, until measures for providing it can be.adopted. We cannot expect, that the militia drill, upon the present system, will give much instruction. The time and attention devoted to it are utterly insufficient for such a purpose. Nor is it probable, that enough of either will be granted in lime of peace, to convey much military knowledge to the great body of our citizens. It is still important, however, that a due organization should be preserved, and a portion of timedevoted to this duty. lit the most unexpected and serious emergency, the national strength could not be calied into action, unless individuals were assigned to particular classes, either local or personal, and knew their situation ; and unless there were officers to direct the movements. And this arrangement has also a tendency to preserve and diffuse much military knowledge ; for many will always direct their attention to the subject, led by inclination as well as duty to acquire information, and to qualify themselves for the various functions required to be performed. Our countrymen, generally, are accustomed to tlic use offi-e-arms from early youth; and in the management of these they have liitie need of instruction. In devoting the field days, therefore, to the simpler evolutions, some knowledge will be gained, anti the whole community will be practically reminded of the claim, tv hie U may he made upon their services. They will feel that his civil relations are not the only ones which exist between live cit’zen and his country, but that lie is bound by other obligations, and that the defence of all is entrusted to all.In 1826, a board of officers, selected from the regular army and the militia, was convened at the Seat of Government, ami instructed to take into consideration the militia system generally, and to suggest such alterations as might appear to them useful. This board combined much intelligence and experience ; and their report is an able and interesting one. I advert to it, in the hope, that this subject may engage the attention of Congress, and in the conviction, that the plan of organization recommended by that board is the only one which offers 8ny real prospect of improvement or efficiency.The condition and prospects of the aboriginal tribes within the limits of the United Slates are yet the subjects of anxious solicitude to the Government. Circumstance'stationsthe jml pendej r:d and indepr claim, of entit we hav dcr.itei have o hut wli rity up cd conwhetluany stipowerlegislul spec I iv alone v Bur, mthat, iithere f the exlt; mentrt The fiiwhiclfine tsc rib ilv tin ¥sounlt;shotdject-itweetrolleor, a:insteidianstheywhol it wopropi cd b It i stipujuristsuit hi douh If thwill I ad vis the sjusticdienc the Srivtvrli
Newspaper Details
Washington National Intelligencer
Washington, Washington-DC, US
Sat, Dec 10, 1831
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Johnathan B.
IA, USA 24 Apr 2018
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