The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-14
MIR. POINsETT's 100000 u. STATES
MILITIA FORCE.

"AAAlA ~ EOAOSs
We publish to-day the notable scheme Of the
Secretary Of War as detailed by himself TO
Congress. We propose to nalyze il more
fully than we have yet DONE and show il to be
most daring, dangerous and unconstitutional
project No man Of discernment can examine
II without feeling il to be the duty Of patriot
to sound the alarm and arouse the people We
repeat this now, because we see the monster be-
ginning TO stir in the Senate.
1T is proposed to divide the United States into eight
military dstricfs and TO organize the militia in each
district, 20 as TO have body Of twelve thousand five
hundred men in active service, and another Of equal
Few: Two HTN DfSa sTHo e ANS
MEN, 10 drilled and stationed be ready 70 take
their places in the ranks in defence Of the country
whether called upon 70 oppose the enemy rcpel the
invader annual Report Of the Secretary Of War.
"The present condition of the defence of our prin
cipal seapors and navy yards represented by the
accompanying report Of The Secretary Of War, calls
for the early and serious attention Of Congress and
connecting itself intimately with this subject can
not recommend too strongly to your attention the plan
submitted by that officer for the organization of the
militia Of MsUnited States"--Mr Van Burens last
Annual Message
The above two paragraphs contain the gist Of
the proposition, and its strong recommendation
by the President
From the details Of the plan we gather the
following recommendations
LIST Every free able bodied white male citizen of
the several States between the ages of 20 and As shall
be enrolled in the militia Of The United States, and
within three months after shall arm himself at his
own expense.
an. ali r., Il
with the Federal Government shall be exempt
Sd Sec Citizens thus enrolled to constitute the first
class to be denominated the Mass and 10 be divided
and organised
4th Each regiment shall furnish two companies Of
light infantry rifemen-each division one company
Of artillery and of horse, who shall be clothed
and equipped at their own expense The officers to
have cut and thrust sword. Officers Of cavalry and
dragons to furnish themselves with horses, saddles
brdles breast plates boots and spurs pistols sabre
crupper, &c. &C.
6th. Proposes colors- and martial music.
9Th record If the to be kept in the Adju-
tants Generals Office Of each State, &c.
7th An Adjutant General shall be appointed in
each State with colonies rank distribute orders at
tend repies perfect the discipline explain the prin-
cples of returns reports and report head quar-
tcrs &c. and finally to make returns the Secretary
of War; 'who shall give the proper directions as to
how they should be done.
9th. Defines the duty Of Brigade Inspectors
9Th Appoints a Quartermaster General in each
State
10th. Within months after the adoption of the
pan 100 900 be drafted for acire serpice to be
dsnUu,tn.sssi the aCrive mopeaofe force.
llth Said force shall be organized and held TO ser
vice for four years; efourth going out annually
/ lIh. There shall he third class denominated the
reserve sedcntary force-to be composed Of those
who have gone through the aefipe probation con-
tinue thus subject years end then be subject to no
further military duty, unless in case Of invasion or
iepee masse.
18th. The deficit occasioncd by the discharge to be
made up by draught the mass
l4th. The territory Of the United States" shall
be divided into ten districts
18th. Order of precedence shall lbe as follows 1.
Troops Of the United States q Militia of the u,
States in this order, viz: l. The active force q The
scdentary force. 3. The mass
10TH Officers of the militia to be appointed as the
State Legislatures shall direct.
l7th The President of the United States may call
ooe ssAC ioV,oOV HSh t"SS dHu out anu
including the time when going and returning from
the place of rendezvous, they shall be deemed in the
service Of the United States, and be subject to such
| regulations the President may think proper to
adopt for their instruction, discipline, aud improve
mem in military knowledge.
18th In case of invasion or instruction the Prcs
dent may call forth such numbers as he may Judge
sufficient
! 18th When the U. S. laws shall be opposed, or
their execution INSTRUCTED the President may call forth
sufficient of this militia to cause the laws be
| cuted.
| Doth The militia of the u S., when in service
shall be subject the rules and articles Of
as the troops of the U. 5.
2ls, Every citizen enrolled in the militia shall be
constantly provided with arms, &c.
Odd. The u. s. militia, when called into service,
shall be paid, like the infantry of the u s.
23d Officers Of mounted companies TO receive TO
rage for horses.
Oath Those who lose horse in service battle to
be paid for the same not more than $3.50.
25th Militia TO receive pay while travelling or be-
ing transported in the service of the U. S.
Doth The widows Of those dying in service to re-
ceve half pay for years.
9th Courts martial to be composed Of military
officers only
2sth. If citizen fail TO march when ordered by the
President, he shall be fined not less than half a
months pay, more than three months pay, (not
less than 55 nor than $780, which fine, contrary
TO the intention of the Constitution, is TO be inflicted
by court martial, and all liable to be imprisoned
on failure to pay the fines imposed.
29th The court martial is to certify the fines to the
U S MARSHAL and he to collect them by the summary
process of distress and if the citizen have property