The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-03-25

alone, being wholly unsupported by any
data whatever, and is, in my Judgment,
said Mr.. D., very erroneous. We have
some facts which furnish us Il better guide
than mere assumption of round numbers.
The law Of 1918 was couched in Father am
blguous terms, so much so, at least, that
almost all persons, who had served under
one or more engagements, nine months,
made application for the Lenefit of its pro-
visions, and the whole number, who thus
applied, rich and poor, regulars and militia,
was short of 10000, as the records of the
War Department bear testimony. 1t is
well known, that this number was eventu-
ally reduced, Under the construction given
to that act, to about $4,000. Many failed
because they were not paupels, and many,
because they were not on the continental
establishment; in other words, because they
were either State troops or militia. Eleven
years have since elapsed, and death, during
that period, has made fearful nroads upon
that number. Now. said Mr.. D., | have
seen several estimates made, of the number
OF persons employed in the army. of the rev.
olutlon, and, according to my recollection,
the whole number falls short of 100000
but speak from memory, and may he mac
urate. But, suppose the regular army
amounted to this number, the militia evil
IDENTITY falls greatly short of it, and there is
"A less propo tonate number of survivors,
for the number Of this kind of troops, en-
ployed towards the close of the war, when
the United States had AN effirient regular
army, was much less than in the earlier pc
RODS, when they depended. mainly, upon
militia, for the prosecution of hostlites. 1t
is believed that few militia were called into
the service after 1919. Fifty years have,
therefore, nearly elapsed since the service
WAS rendered, and the survivors must he at
an advanced period of human life. If
therefore, the number was as great ms the
regular army, which had but about $4,000
survivors, nine years ago, who took the
benefit of the act of 1878. there would be
nothing alarming in it. But, there is no
reason for believing that the number ap-
preached that of the regular army. for that
army was mostly made up of persons who
had previously rendered service as militia ::
nor, have | ever, until now, head it assert
ell, that the numbers were so great. I
again repeat, said Mr.. D., that on this sub
Ject | speak from recollection. bavjng no
documents or evidence hy me, for had no
intention of entering into this debate when
came into the House but, think these
facts Justify the belief, that the number is
greatly exaggerated.
Again, said Mr.. D., it is urged that funds
cannot be spared from the treasury for this
purpose. Sir, said Mr.. D., if this.is DELFT
we justly owe, as | sincerely believe it is,
would not stop to make this inquiry. The
arguments mean nothing MORE than, that
thpSn ri N,hi
sonably delayed, should be postponed until
the grave closes over the last of the claim
ants; lest diversion of the sum required.
from the treasury, should interfere with
grants less imperative, and less meritori0us.
The funds from rho revenue of the country
are ample, and the grant proposed need
not interfere with any obligation imposed
on the government. You can find ample
funds to prosecute, by enormous ANIMAL
grants, system of fortfcation, which, as
was observed hy member of the commit
tee of ways and means, the other dav. will
absorb, according TO the estimates. from II
to 2O,OO0,000 of dollars, and I will, said Mr..
d., hazard the prediction, that, if those
works, to be constructed, cost as much
more than the estimates, as those have
which are erected 100000 will not cover
the expense. This you can do, and. thus.
make an occasion for the support of a reg
ular army in time of peace, which will
greatly exceed the whole number of per
sons now seeking relief, while your treasu-
ny is too poor to reimburse these AGED VET
Grams. You can also find the means of
making large annual appropriations for
roads. canals, and improvements of harhors.
and for other national purposes, which are
not essential 10 the operations of the gov
ernment but are founded on the SUPPOSE
ton that the money can he spared for such
purposes, and IA sufficient sum remain to full
fiji all obligations. 1t is in vain, therefore.
to argue the want of funds; for the ability
OF the government is ample. for the purpose
OF meeting these claims. without adding to
the revenue by taxation, either direct or
indirect We have nothing to fear on this
score, but ought TO meet the question man
fully, and decide it upon its merits. Those
VINO demand precise information, must he
aware that It cannot he furnished, that the
exact number cannot he ascertained. and
that, while they insist on this as condition
precedent, they must he ranked amongst
those, who Will oppose the measure against
all argument and evidence.
] am aware, said Mr.. d., that time has
become very important to the House, and
deeply regret that subject so important
as tins, could not have been called up at an
earlier period Of the sessions but it is time
to act; for the number of the claimants is
almost daily lcssening, and there will he
soon, none to reproach us with denial of
Justice. | could have urged many other
important considerations, but | forbear,
lest | should prejudice the interests of those,
whose cause | would advocate with IL hope
of success.
Note BY reference to an historical estimate
made many years since, without any reference
to pension act ard long before any was passed
IT appears that the regular army contained, in
all, during the war, 232075 troops 1t also