The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-04-09
FOR THE MApIsoNhAa.
FOR THE MADsONLAN.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF Mr.. POINSETT's
PLAN FOR THE REORGANIZATION
OF THE MILITIA"

PLAN FOR THE +" REORGANIZATION
OF THE MILITIA"
That the measures of Government should
be open to free. discussion among the peo-
pie, is fundamental principle of our Ii
berty, and in that spirit, | adventure some
scattered thoughts.
The "horrid front of Mars" is already
shadoweed forth, and it were well to encou-
rage any decorous disquisition which should
precede rather than arise too late Cor the
event.
The reorganization Of the militia SYSTEM
has wisely attracted the attention of Con-
gress, and. undoubtedly, will be extensively
canvassed by the People, on whose patriot
ism our rulers should aim to render it light
and willing tax. To succeed in this during
protracted war may, perhaps, be doubtful.
1t will be found still more so In peace, and,
therefore, may then be a custom better "ho-
nored in the breach than the obseryance."-
At least, this has been the experience Of the
come the result Of the new, depends materi-
ally on the discretion Of the trainers.
In the main, am inclined to believe the
system lately proposed by the Secretary does
him honor, and will attain many of the pro-
posed ends; but that this, or any other, should
be perfected without alteration or amendment,
presume he, himself, scarcely expects On
the contrary, collision Of opinion has thus
early shown ITSELF In its future develope-
ment, his known candor and ability are guar
antee, that he will seize useful suggestions,
come from whaAever quarter they may; and,
doubtless, they will fall "thick as leaves in
Vallembrosa whether altogether useful
remains to be determined.
Reserving what might be said Of some Of
the details Of the reorganization" for another
occasion, my present purpose is to test the
correctness of certain Impressions in which
the public have common interest, and, no
doubt, will assert it.
would first call attention to the Secretary's
Militia System in its connection with the
" Troops Of the United States'---and would
have the position of the two, when in conjunc-
ton, little more clearly defned-otherwise
the reorganization" would seem 10 place the
army. in case of war, too entirely in advance
of the citizen soldiery ;-or, in fact, efectually
to isolate them, except as the " Troops Of the
United States" are called upon TO command,
through their staff, the militia, " whenever the
United States shall be invaded, or be in immi-
nent danger Of INVASION" and the President
deem it necessary TO make use of their SER
vices.
The Constitution places the military de-
fence Of the country in the hands Of the people,
and with just jealousy Of large standing
army, relies on the militia as the principal
means would wish 10 avoid the impression
that the Secretary's system, as whole, is not
calculated for dernier resort in imminent
DANGER" rather than thus for a national de-
fence. SO organized and arranged as hsr.
moniously and effectually to cooperate, at all
necdiul periods, with the Troops Of the
United States" for the public security.
/! Among other reasons, however, for thii