The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-14

ions contained in Mr.. Poinsett's plan, and re-
commended by the President.
Its unconstitutionality consists in PROPOSING
TO place the Militia in certain contingencies un.
der the orders and directions Of the Federal Elk
ecutive, thereby stripping the States Of their
authority 10 train the mili.ia,--in putting the
goods and chattels, and the personal liberties Of
Tree citizens under the control of u. s. Mar
shais, and in usurping the power Of imposing
penalties on citizens Of the States, and OF en-
forcing them by courts martial
Its tyranny consists in the confscation and
Imprisonment Of those conscript citizens, who
should either refuse or be unable, by reason Of
poverty or otherwise, TO comply with the requi-
sitions Of the Executive.
Its danger lies in giving such power to the
President as would enable him to call forth
standing army, in fact, Of 100000 men, in the
pay Of the government segregated from the great
body Of the people, and required, possibly TO vote
or fight, as the Executive should desire, or be
dragged from State to State, to suit political ex-
igencies.
We can see no limit to the proportions Of this
monster, and have no guarantee in the character
of our present rulers, or in those whom they
might appoint to succeed them, that the proposed
system would not overthrow the liberties Of the
country, and establish military despotism upon
their ruins.
The following notes will show by what autho
rity we are supported in the estimate we have
formed of this notable scheme.
The only authority conferred on the General
Government by the Constitution in relation to
the militia is contained in the following sen
fences:
"To provide for calling forth the militia to execute
the laws Of the Union suppress Instructions and
pei nvasions."
TO provide for organizing, arming and disciplin-
ing the militia, and for governing such parts Of them
may be employed in the service Of the United States
reserpng to the States respectively the appointment OF
the officers and the authority Of training the militia
according TO the discipline prescribed by Congress -
(CoD. Sec. 81
When that provision was before the Conven-
ton which formed the Constitution, Mr.. Sher-
man moved to strike out the last member, +" and
authority Of training" &c.
Mr.. King, by way of explanation, said that by
organizing the committee meant, proportioniug
the officers and men, by arming, specifying the
kind, size, and calibre of arms, and by disci-
plining, prescribing the manual exercise, evolu-
tons, &c.
Mr.. Sherman withdrew his motion.
Mr. Gerry said he had lief let the citizens Of
Massachusetts be dsarmed to take the command
from the States and subject them to the General Go
vernment. II would be rejected as system Of des-
potism
| Mr. Madison observed, that drming" explain
ed, did not extend TO furnishing arms nor the tern
disappointing" to penalties and courts martial TO
enforcing them.
Dickinson, Gerry Sherman, and other Republi
cans expressed great jealousy of the power of thu
General Government, and warmly urged the impor
lance Of leaving the militia almost wholly to the States
Mr.. Dickinson declared that the States would
nor ought TO- give up all authority the militia
| Mr. Sherman said that il the militia officers were I.
be under the control Of the General Government
men of discernment would sound the alarm to arous
the people.