The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-06-30
TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, June 81
EVENING SESSION.

EVENING SESSION.
The Senae's bill for increaseg the Military estab-
lishment, being the unfinished business in Committee
of the Whole o.
Mr. BRONSON resumed and concluded his remarks
in support Of the bill.
The question being on the first amendment proposed
by the Committee Military Affairs.
Mr. FILLMORE made an inquiry as to the reason
| why companies of artillery proposed to be
formed instead Of retaining the present number Of
panies, and INCREASING the number ofmen
Mr.. HANrrsssG objected to the provisions in the
committees amendment being utterly inefficient to
meet the wants Of the country and strongly he
opposed to the adoption of the amendment, that, to
prevent it, he should avail himself Of there being
quorum present for the rising Of the commit
tee. sa
Mr. MASON dssuaded him from his course, the
vote in committee was not final quorum would
| soon be in attendance.
Mr. HARRISON then made some further remarks to
show how insufficient the proposed force for the
protection Of the Western frontier
The question being taken the amendment report.
ed by the Military Committee, (the general effect OF
which is to reduce the quantum Of additional force pro-
posed by the Senate the said amendments were agreed
Mr. MCKAY now moved second amendment, pro-
posing the organization Of additional regiment Of in
fantry.
Mr. HARRISON moved to amend the amendment
by adding also regiment Of rfemen He made some
remarks the efficiency OF such corps, and especial
" its adaptation to Indian warfare lie referred, as
an illustration the service performed during the Re-
volution by Morgans rfemen, and during the last war
by Forsyth's rifle corps
Mr. MCKAY admitted the correctness of this state
ment but opposed the amen imen because the bill al
ready contained provision empowering the President,
at his discretion, to convert regiment OF infantry,
or Of artillery into regiment OF rltemen
MIR HARRISON thought that provision did not meet
the necessity Of the Corps Of that description
would be unsked in the Of the rifle, and unpactsed
in the duty Of rifle corps He opposed to lodg-
ing too much discretionary power in the Executive as
being dangerous and pernicious.
Mr. CRARY inquired whether there were any rifle
companies or light infantry at present in the Army
Mr.. MCKAY replying in the negative,
Mr. CRARY supported the amendment proposed by
Mr.. Harrison necessary and proper.
MIR. GRENNEL replied and supported the position
taken by MIR. Mckay in opposition to the amendment,
rendered unnecessary by the provisions Of the bill
Mr.. w. THOMPSON expressed his willingness to
for such increase Of the Army he deemed ne
cessary for the protection Of the Western frontier He
opposed any increase OF officers, save IN the
Ordnance Department He advocated the employment
Of rihemen and mounted rangers as the best troops to
contend with Indians and explained his plan for aug
menting the rank and file, to give, in all an IN
crease Of $500 men. He was opposed to having
General in chief residing at Washington, but would have
the Army two divisions, major general at the head
Of each and these accountable Immediately to the War
Department and the President.
Mr. POPE approved this plan, and thought it would
unite the votes Of the House He wasin favor OF eslab-
fishing line Of posts the Western frontier, but did
not think any additional regiment necessary for the
northern boundary Of the Union. He was for relying,
in an emergency, the militia and volunteer corps.
Mr. BRONSON explained. He had not wished
troops the Northern frontier to defend the inhabitants
against the British.
Mr. WISE inquired whether they were to protect the
British against our own Peop!e2
Mr. BRONSON replied in the negative but only to
keep up the national police, and enforce the observance
IF pacific conduct toward our neghbors.
| Mr. POPE gave number OF statements to show the
efficiency Of militia and volunteers as the best troops to
| fight the Indians. He commented with some severity
on the expense and indulgence OF our modern troops IN
contrast with those who had settled the wilderness;
in the use Of umbrellas, porter champagne, &C. In
former times, each found his own musket or rite,
| his ammunition iorse, &C. He was opposed to IN
creasng standing army, and diculed the employment
| OF European tactics against Indians
Mr. MERCER reminded the House that the amend
ments suggested by Mr.. TnosrsoN were not now be-
fore the House but only the proposition OF Mr. HARnl
for rifle regiment. He approved Of the raising OF
such corps highly efficient the defence Of from
tier exposed to the attacks of Indians He suggested
the proprety Of line of posts, at G5 or rs, 100
miles distance from each other, with stockades, and
block houses to which the women and children might
fee for protection in Of hostlites on the frontier