The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-12-05


man affected so much to depiore. The in
crease ofpay had two objects, the filling of
the ranks, and the general responsibility OF
the army. The recruiting service had sud-
denly stopped it stopped ouly because all
the men which were be had for 10 dollars
bounty and FIVE dollars and 100 acres of
land were already picked up--to get more.
nothing could be done but Increase the pay
the quantum. of increase was the ONLY
question. The difficulty Of enlisting men
was not peculiar to us--it was felt by every
nation Military wages bore no Just or
equitable proportion to the ordinary wages
OF the country. In the stronger and more
uespotic governments of Europe force was
resorted to; in the more mild aud moderate,
stratagem and fraud and trick. Who had
not heard of the tricks of recruiting SER
Jeants! Under our own government enlist
ments to be lawful must be fair and free
and voluntary-hence the only remedy left
us was increase OF pay. But the, filling of
the ranks was by no means the most impov-
tant object. The increase of the general
responsibility of the army was of infinitely
more Importance. The regular service had
been Drought into universal disrepute in the
country. The cause is obvious--jt was the
lfUe dollars tier month and nothing else.
There was nothing is,nominious or Disgrace
| ful IN the nature of the employment; on the
contrary, it is honorable--it inspires honor
able sentiments Ask the farmer why he
does not encourage his son to enlist in the
service OF his country-he answers at once
| that he can make 10 dollars a month on the
farm that if he has honesty and industry,
any body will hire him for ten dollars.
Canthere be any doubt that by increasing
the pay you will increase the numbers of
the army--not only so, in the exact proper
! tons as you increase the pay will you in
crease the responsibility. Il is self-evident
suppose instead of 60 or 90 dollars year,
you would agree to- give 5000 dollars--there
IS no doubt but your ranks would soon be
hlled. You would have the silk stocking
gentry--Q do not know that the army would
be much the better for that)-you would
chance to have few Members of Congress
perhaps a Secretary of State, perhaps an
ex-President-you would at least enlist hon
esty and industry. / say, sir, the increase
! OF the respeCtability of the army at this
moment is of infinite Importance. With eve
ry disposition to rely on the militia for de-
fence and offence, we are not permitted to
do so; the militia are withheld by some of
| the states. The gentleman and his friends
| nave withheld the militia of Massachusetts
he would now withhold the regulars.
Give character and responsibility to the ar
| my, and when in spirit of jealousy or dis
affecton, or treason, the militia should be
withheld. you are still independent you
arc still government for all the objects of
government. If Massachusetts and Con-
Inecticut-but forbear!
MIR. MACON said it appeared the House
| was now in situation in which it had fire.
quently been heretofore that is, they take
up very small subject and make a very
great one OF it. The Only question for dis
cussion appeared to him to be, whether or
oot they would enlist into the army Young
| men between the ages of Is and 81. He was
very sorry that at this early period of the
session discussion had been introduced in.
TO the House, which had at all times better be
let alone--that Of foreign influence. He did
not mean to discuss it; but if gentlemen
were aux tor it he was perfectly will
ling to set aside day for the consideration
of the subject and go about it methodcally
| lie regretted very much that the feature
to which he had alluded, had been inserted
| In the bill because he had been in hopes
that on the question of raising the pay of the
| army they would, one and all, have mani
tested disp osition to support the rights of
the country. In the hope, that they would
vet come to an agreement On the subject
that they could give some vote of unanimi-
ty In relation to the war, he should move
FOR recommitment of the bill, with view
| to amend 1t by striking out the Sd section -
1t appeared to him that until man had ac.
CURED political rights, he ought not to be
called on to defend his country. The gen
tleman from 5. Carolina says the principle
OF this section already exists in our militia
laws, admit it (; and hence / have always
when our militia laws have been under
consideration, moved to strike out IS and
insert 81. hope, if we do not take re-
cruits under 81, we will alter the militia
law also, and let the country rely for its de-
fence OH those who manage its concerns
He hoped the House would consent to re-
commit the bill, and in some one vote show
something like unanimity.
| Mar. Randolph rose to speak at the same
moment with Mr.. Macon. vino, however.
being frat seen by the Speaker, obtained the
floor.
| Mr.. RANDOLPH, said that he was ex
tremeiy happy. as he did not notice his friend
from North Carolina at the time of his ris-
ing--in which case he should certainly have
given way to him according to Custom
that he had caught the Speakers eye first.
| was about 60 rise, said Mr.. X. for the pur-
pose Of making similar motiaIi and there
are considerations on which it is unneces.
sary tor me to dwell, and towards which |
will not even hint, that render it at least rs
agreeable to me that the motion for rec5n-
mitmcnt should come from that respectable
| and We,ghty quarter, rather than from my
self. l shall vote for 1T upon the same
! grounds which would have induced me uIti-
mately to vote against the bill because il
contains provisions, might say principles,
unacceptable of modification, and IN my
lid ..