The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1829-11-05
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Congress. Congress has determined how
the Militia should be divided and dlciplin
ed. He thought the Legislature had a
right to abolish Company but not regi-
mental trainings.
Mr.. Updikr inquired the manner in which
the Arms Of the United States were dis
,ributed and whether we did not receive
them in proportion TO the number Of the
returned Militia. He thought we had no
control over Regimental trainings and that
there must be Review.
Mr. Peckham inquired Of Mr.. Halle
whether Congress had provided arms, &c.
for the Militia.
M Halle replied that Congress appro
prated annually s20O,Otm for that purpose.
The State has received its proportion. and
n ore than some States that have no. made
returns.
Mr.. Potter said whenever a person IN
dertook TO relieve tie people of any bur.
then il was thrown into his teeth that the
power had been given to the General Gov
eminent, and he was sure to be opposed
by decisions from the Supreme Court. He
thought we had not given up the power t.
abolish Regimental trainings for we could
direct the divisions in the Militia and the
time and place Of training he thought it
wonld be better to have them on the same
day, and there might be company inspect
ore which would in measure obvlale the
objection Of his colleague. We have been
threatened with the power Of the United
States; he considered If the Liberties OF the
country were ever in danger IT would arse
from usurpa,iun of the Supreme Cou'' and
their forced constructions of Consti on
al Law. He did not fear the United States
army. The MilitIs reviews were trainings,
10 be sure for in their train were gamblers,
tlnk"rs. fddlers, pedlers, and women Of ca
sy virtue Napoleon could make soldiers
of any thing; he could yoke lawyers, tink .
crs. and Dedlars together snd in a few days
they would be proper subjects for any thing.
AS the trainings were immoral and bore
hard on the youth and the poor no hoped
the State would abolish them. We have
the power to abolish Regimental trainings,
and he hoped we should exercise It.
Mr.. Hn-n'd gave no opinion on the px.
pedIency oi the proposed measure, but
thought the State had constitutional right
to pass the resolution. Congress has no
power to direct us 10 pass any law on the
subject, nor does the act Of Congress or
Constitution oftbe United State. require US
so to do
Mr. Potter said u number or the States
that had been foremost in disciplinng the
Militia had got sick Of the system and now
had reglmental trainings but once in two
or three years.
Mr.. Bull vas ofopinion that we had bet.
ter leave the business where it was: he
was willing to reduce the fines. Young
people liked to have such trainings.to meet
together and show themselves. II was no
burden to them but recreation and rclaxa
tloD from business. The old also liked
meetings. such MS dinner and supper par
nes. which likewise tended to produce dis
SlpailoD. II was hls opinion that the act
OF Congress required regimental trainings.
The officers appointed bv the General As.
sembly would be badly of, if they had no
men 10 command.
Mr.. Simmons OF Johnston. moved that
the whole subject be referred to Commit
tee 10 report by bill or otherwise at the
next Session.
Mr.. Ihurston Was opposed to the refer
ehce. He tbonght the Militia System bad.
and that u ought to be altered. The Mil
ItIn, he sald, was not now as well disc ipln.
90 ms II was thirty years ago
MIR. allen moved that the resolution be
continued TO the next session. md hoped
Mt Potter would consent TO the continu.
ance.
Mr.. Potter said No knew he was right.
onG wished to try the question now; he was
nol afraid of being obliged 10 retract: il
was not his habit to rctrsct. lie had done
hs duty to his constituents, and the House
rsns' do as 1t pleased. For himselfh he ha,
a deep interest in the question he had fou
boys nearly old enough 10 train and h
had as lief see them any wher. on the fac
OF Gods creation (except in the COMM.
sion OF crImej as harnesSsd up and haw'
and gee'd about in the Militia.
The question was then taken on Mr.. A
lens motion and it was los, 80 to "a.
The question then recurred on Mr. Sin
mons motion. Mr. Potter opposed its pa
sage. Mr.. Cross inquired how many tim,
a member had right to speak on the san
question. He should like to ascertain no
many times Mr. Potter had spoken on II
question before the house, and he hoped
memorandum would be kept, as il was il
possible To rccollect. There were 9th
members he bad as live hear speakasN
Potter. and who. he thought. were qui
as intelligent, If not as interesting. \
Hazard reprimanded Mr.. Cross for Il
philippe on Mr.. Potter. Mr.. Potterr
Piled he would At any time give wsy
Genera Cross, whenever he was dispos
20 entertain the House. Mr. Simmo
motion wssthen adopted and the whole 81
iect referred 10 the Committee on the
dietary.
Mr. Hazard offered a resolution 10 an
point Committee to report bill at The