Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-06-21

I'd SIX months. Captain Cooper, whom | have already
s. mentioned received S3S5S 81 captain of artillery
N and chefclek Of the War Department in which latter
Is capacity he also to be acting Secretary Of War
d and allowed brevet pay Gen Wool while the Gene
II raj was under trial before court Of inquiry. Major
l. General Scott received 1894 80 by virtue Of his rank
as such, from lt April, 1885, 10th Dec 1885, and
during the same time, ,9o2 commissioner to treat
y with the Cherokee Indians.
Besides these, there of naval officers while
on THROUGH detailed IN the army, and OF clerks in the
war Department acting us paymasters. These
abuses which may be corrected without additional lie.
gIsation. Though Congress may have indirectly
TONED many them, they have had their origin in the
department., and there they may be corrected. am
glad see, by general order Of this morning. that the
present Secretary has his eyes opened and reforming
? some OF these abuses. wish he had done so much
sooner His order is we'll enough far goes but
IL VIII not tonch many of the abuses which have
t'ced He will have TO 60 further, Congress must
look for remedy.
Now, Sir, do not wish, by any means, to reduce
} the army, or the pay of the army, unnecessarily.
would pay them we'll but that when they receive
their commissions they shall know what they are to
nave and the Government may know what il is pay
wish 10 reduce the army to The standard OF the law
as would ourselves, and every department of the Go
verhment am far from wishing 10 disparage the mi.
tary fame, or to wound the feelings of any officer of
the army would place them footing more lust
more honorable, exalted, where they would be
,ess exposed TO temptation and reproach. will always
be among the first ward gratitude md honor n those
VINO give the highest evidence men can give NJ
devotion TO their country, by stalking their lives IN dc
fence Of its rights wiling to give Just liberal
compensation to the army, but would give it on -
principle, which is worthy OF the character of the
army, and the Government, too While honor
the soldier who fights for his country, as every
citizen is bound to serve it, ia peace or in war
from high motives Of patriotism and duty de.
test your mere qnid pro quo soldier statesman who
lets himself out as hireling for n consdera
ton. Sir, it not SO in the Revolution How
4 a nj nntu 81 e
butin the accommodations aud "allowances of military
officers, since Marion entertained his guests at
parae post on a log i'll swamp, on double raons,
but on a SINGH sweet potato! The veterans of the
olden time would not fail, nowadays to see in many
instances too faithful resemblance between the modern
soldier and Shakspeares sweet scented fop "Grim-
visaged war hath smnothed his wriLkled front" sincs
the time when the Highland father would not permit
his son to enjoy the luxury afa camp lire 10 warm HIS
feet snow ball pillow TO rest his head, lest he should
be infected with govt Extra allowances, double rations
triple pay, commntaon of forage for officers horses
commutaon Of clothing for officers servants were not
The fashion in hose days.
| take no pleasure, Mr. Chairman, in pointing out
some of the causes which, believe, have done much
to impair the efficiency of the army. 1t affords
satisfaction to conclude from the evidences before US,
that our army is not in the condition which its own
fame, and the safety Of the country demands have
attempted dwell in detail particular instances of
abuse with view TO invoke censure any where My
object is to reform-to apply remedy, if one is to be
found II is natural for officers of the army apply
for indulgences and extraordinary allowances. when
the precedent has been established by departure
from the law. CeSt PREMIER pas qui cOue the first
error which warrants the rest | hold those RESPONSE
BILE 10 whom the care Of the army 10 conhded under
the laws. We shall be responsible ourselves, Sir, II
fail to do our duty. know thai the cry Of reform is ge
neray acceptable in the abstract We can all see the
mote that is in brothe, seye, while aptt3f,t
blind the beam which in og,as m the depart
aa e"P $50 .s.s IN this hail. and it is every where IN
uhsta
to elevate others to equality wifi Themselves. 1t be-
comes US TO apply to ourselves the same measure OF
rigid reform which exact from others; to cut OH our
own extra allowances and double raons, and give
evidence, by our example, that we are animated oy
sense of duty. There bills on our table, awaiting
the action Of Congress, which, trust will effect this
object TO some extent II we fail to do duty IN tins
respect we may well be told by those TO whom we
are administering the medicine OF reform, "fhyslcan'
heal thyself'
The remedy which would suggest for these abuses
in the army is simple would cut off every species OF
extra, irregular, contingent compensation, ana give
fixed amount Of pay Let that be adequate and ample,
hut let be beyond the reach OF increase or dimnuton
nv consruc ton or regulations. This is the case al
as TO the navy and why not extend the principle
to the army We are told that the present SYSTEM
though it may be dispensed with in peace, Is indispen-
sable in war IL this true, 1t does not excuse us or
toeratinp those abuses which clearly within the
compass of legislation will not undertake TO decide
how far the opinion which has been so confidently ex
expericnced
be correct have already said that dstrust my own
ability TO suggest remedies for all the abuses which
have become so apparent have consulted win some
friends who understand this subject Tar better Than
do, and would rather conhde IN Their Pracucoi know
ledge than in the haphazard theories OF othefs'
who with audable zeal for reforms may at last do more
mischief than they will remedy. My colleague ana
friend, from the Halifax district understands mus
subject. He has served his country IN me heia
and in council, and he has served IT usetuly ana
honorably. | should be glad 10 see The various
propositions for reform, which we have heard re-
rrred to committee of those members OF the House,
who, from their former connex'on w'',i ih'''laly W.
fairs can give the information which we want
There are many such here. know many and DOUBT
less there are others whom have not the pleasure
know | do not approve this practice OF introducing
general principles of legislation INTO the approPr'a'on
Bills Well dgested schemes OF reform deserve more
deliberate cons,de ration than they can well receive IN
this form But like others, am willing to take what
can get in this FORM if can get IT IN no other. me
eYn.rence Of the past teaches US that thus blending Oh
penersl legislation with temporary appropriations mas
mt answered the desired effect may be so, fear 1t
will be so, again
I have received project Of bill from an anony-
nous source; but am satisfied that its author IS well
acquainted with all the details Of this subject should
he plad of an opportunity to bring to the consoera-
on of the House. TO have it printed and referred 10
such committee as ] have Indicated The great Iea'
ure Of this bill il the substitution OF hxed compehsa
ton in lieu of the various gular and contingent
I,ments now allowed 10 the officers OF The army Tue
omonnt Of this compensation is not specified, but may
be filled up after mature deberaton, with due regard
n the eral grades of officers There are several
sections in this bill providing against the nconven'-
ences which have been Anticipated from the adoption
of fixed compensation
will take this occasion TO explain in word my
course on the naval appropriation b-a bill when ta'
been frequently referred to in this debate and IS cons
dered by many, is, in intimate connexon WIN the
army. did not address the House on that bill, but
listened very a,en,ively to the debate which occurred
because anxious to learn what the true OF
the country required reference TO that right arm oil our
defence nj this time know too little OF the details
Of the naval service TO have much confidence in my
own opinions with regard to it. II is with me, as
believe it is with the country generally, iavorne
branch of the service. 1t deserves TO be chefsned'
and while thought the estimates from the Navy De