Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-06-05

receiving this late and poor provision. do
not object to this: practically, lpresume it will
deprive no one of what he would otherwise re.
ceive; but would willingly have emulated the
bounty which knows how to.pursue lis rightiul
objects 10 the end of the earth.
Consider for moment the amount OF the ex-
pendture for the military service of the year on
our present establishment. The entire annual
cost of the military defence Of the country, in
Guiding, indeed, the expensive articles OF torti
6catons and engineering, is five millions OF dol
lars. Sir, make no unfriendly reflections on
any part of this expenditure, either for the per-
manenl and durable objects, or the annual SER
vices Of the military force of the country. /
voted cheerfally for the whole appropriation
But pray you, sir, remember that, at the rate
Of five millions per annum, we have paid, since
the year 1917, forty millions Of dollars; while
the entire war debt ofthe revolution-lhe whole
debt for military and naval, domestic and TO-
reign service, was but forty.two millions, as es-
:imated in 1855. While then, in eight years Of
these piping times Of peace, we pay for the va
rious objects Of military expenditure an amount
nearly equal to the whole war debt Of the revo-
luton, can il be said thar we ought not, or can
not, make this poor appropriation, 10 pay
tice, which is now urged upon US? Can we,
sir, but three months after voting these great
appropriation bills for the military expenditure
OF season Of profound peace, can we turn from
our door the Scared and grey-haired veteran Of
the war which gave being 10 our nation? Sir,
| cast no imputation on our army or its officers
They do all that can be done in time OF peace;
as some Of them, in our last struggle, did all
that could be done by gallant men, in time Of
war; but know they themselves would be the
last to say, that they deserved an earlier and
prompter provision, than the heroes OF the re-
violation.
Sir, if this act of grateful justice is ever to
be performed, now is the time for its perform
ance. The present year completes the hall CEN
fury since the declaration Of independence; and
most devouty do hope, that when the SILVER
trumpet of our political jubilee sounds, it may
be with note Of comfort and JOY to the with
cred heart of the war-worn veteran Of the revo-
luton. Our tardy provision will indeed come
too late to help him through the hard Journey OF
life; it will not come too late 10 alleviate the
| sorrows Of age, and smooth the pillow Of de
cline. Sir, it is the flilieth year OF our indie
pendence. How much we shall read, how
much we shall hear, how much, perhaps, we
shall say this year, about the glorious exploits
of our fathers, and the debt Of gratitude we
owe them. do not wish this to be all talk
| want to do something. want substantial
tribute TO be paid th"m. Praise, sir, is sweet
music both 10 old and young; but honestly
confess that my mind relucts and revolts, by
anticipation, at the thought of the compliments
with which we are going TO fiji the ears Of these
poor veterans, while we leave their pockets
empty, and their backs cold If we cast out
This bill, do hope that some member of the
House, possessing an influence to which can
not aspire, will introduce another, 10 make II
penal to say word on the fourth Of July, about
the Gebt Of gratitude which we owe 10 the he
roes Of the revolution. Let the day and the
topic pass in decent silence. I hate all gag
laws; but there is one thing am willing to
sag-the vaporlng tongue Of bankrupt, who
has grown rich, and talks sentiment, about the
obligation he feels to his needy creditor, whom
he paid eff at Is. cd in the pound
Mr. Chairman, we have heard much, of late,
Of the Washington policy. In the recent dis
cussons on great national question, this poll
cy was declared, on :all sides, to be the only
safe rule for the administration Of our foreign
affairs. Whithersoever ii led us, we were all
willing to go; wheresoever il left us, we all pro-
ieSSed 10 Stop-on no SIDE OIL the House, was
! there question whether we should adhere to
it, or depart from il: the only question was,
whether it did or did not authorize, without
limitation, the measure proposed On that
question, was sounfortunate as 10 differ from
many honorable gentlemen, with whom should
be happy ever 10 agree. Now, sir, we are on
ground where there can be no dispute, and hap
ply am | TO find my honorable friends, (Messrs.
HEMPHILr and BUcHANAN) the first to assume
il. should be glad, indeed, 10 know, what
part of the Washington policy stands more
deeply impressed on every record that remains
to US from the father of his country, than the
duty Of providing for these, his surviving broth
rem in arms. Where, sir, in all the memorials
of tina, great man, will you find any injunction
Of neutral policy, any admonItion against en-
tangling alliances, expressed in language more
strong, than that in which he enforces the claim
which is now before you? eff, (said he,) besides
the simple pay Of wages, a further compensa-
ton is not due to the sufferings and sacrifices
of the officers, then have been mistaken in
deed-If the whole army have not merlted
whatever a grateful people can bestow, then
have been beguIcd by prejudice, and built
opinion on the basis of error. If this country
should not, in the event." Gin the event, Mr.
Chairman, and when at length il should possess
the means,-) "perform every thing which has
been requested by the late memorials to Con-
Il. loI,o and