The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-04-05
COM MUNIC ALTON N.
INFRINGEMENT IN THE ARMY.

ditnres with view to increase his profits, whether
he be merchant or manufactures, must have made
new discoveries, or have been informed that others
employed a better system. TO discriminate,
thorough knowledge of the particular branch
pursued must be obtained, the immediate effect
and future results considered, or retrenchment,
instead of becoming advantageous, may cause
Total loss of the capital invested. Would ma
nufacturer be wise in compelling artlzans to labor
for compensation manlfestly less than the wants
of their families or to extend the limits OF their
labors beyond the bounds of physical endurance
Let the condition OF the working classes III MAN
chester, Birmingham Sheffield, and other manu-
featuring places in the British commons answer
the question Would merchant be considered
sane, who employed masters for his ships, of or
dinary capacity, in preference to those already
tested and found efficient, merely because their
services could be commanded at lower salaries
Is it not obvious that skilful navigator of ener-
getc mind, could perform his voyages in less time,
and in reality save for his employers sum far
beyond that paid for his services! How small,
then, the number of those who understand re.
trenchment and how cautious would be their
movements in altering old and well-tried systems,
could they but leap over few years and see the
consequences of their hasty changes. The nds-
Greet merchant would not only bring ruin on his
own house, but lnure society in its varied ramih
cations. The ships thus entrusted TO unskilful
hands, with their cargoes, consisting OF the united
labors of hundreds would be deposited beneath the
waters of mighty oceans, or stranded within sigh,
of the mariners long looked-for haven. Add
to this the suffering, deprivation, the last and
deadly struggle of the brave seamen, the misery
of their unprotected widows and children, the dis
tress of their immediate relatives and all those in
any way connected with their interests-or, in a
worldly point of view, glance at The effect Of
such losses upon society, and see what distress
such repeated disasters would occasion those who
were to be the consumers of the lost cargoes.--
Values are increased, and the poor would but sell
dom have their priced luXnrles or be entirely de-
prived thereof. And such a state of affairs would
be brought about, because men had become mer-
chants without the requisite preparation, and in
consequence, retrenchlng what should not be re-
trenched, with no other end than that of bringing
ruin upon themselves and others.
Mr. Editor, | am farmer, and have time to
read the proceedings of Congress my mind is
unbiased by party feelings; love my country
and wish her prosperity; but it grieves me to see
party strife carried to such lengths. The honorable
men who have been selected from the different
walks of life, for their patriotism and abilities, t.
legslate for the welfare of millions of freemen.
seem to me, at times, to suffer their better judg
ment to be influenced by artful and intriguing
aspirants. Each man should seek for proper in.
formation, and think for himself; if he canno'
command as many words as his neighbor, he can.
at all events, vote well, and with as good judy.
ment. The system of the many being led BY
the few" does not suit our Republic; here have
we equality-there is no royal blood, no party
leaders, no aping of the British Parliaments,
but each man acts for himself and feels RESPONSE
bic. Then let each legislator gather all the re.
qusite information from the proper departments
make business and international law his study,
and never will he hastily vote for retrenchment,
until convinced it will result for the benefit of his
country At the moment when Europe has been
making every effort to advance military science,
what has been the conduct of our Representa-
tves in regard to this important subject? Instead
of being actuated by spirit of noble emulation,
they have labored to undo that which was created
by the greatest friends of the country. They have
endeavored to destroy military school, and fail
ing in that, would deprive the country of the
services of those thoroughly educated in the same
school, who have passed the most rigid examina-
ton of a competent tribunal, and received the
promised reward of all their trial and privaton.
Could members of the House of Representatives
witness the glow which animates the countenance
of the cadet when, with manly port and military
step, he advances to sign the compact that binds
him to serve his country, in peace or war, for the
term of eight years, they would ponder before
doing the country this great injury. | beseach
those of our Representatives who differ from me
on this subject, to examine into the decipline and
rotne of study through which the graduates of
this school must pass, and they will see that the
cadets path is not strewn with roses-ther trials
and hardships can only be borne by good consti-
tuition. Such discipline leaves but little leisure
for pleasure or recreation, for when the book is
laid aside, the musket is taken up, or the ponder
Gus cannon wheeled and worked as by those of
maturer years and powers. When drill has
ceased, then commences severer duty, the
mounting guard rain, hail, or snow, night or
day, the young cadet must not finch from his
duty; the weary round must be walked as if he
had arrived at the years of manhood. Should
his physical powers fall he is dismissed as inca
pable OF serving his country in the capicty of
soldier. Should his mental powers be inadequate
to the task required, he is permitted to retire.
Surely, if those who have received military
education according to the rules prescribed and
authorized by Congress, are not competent to
serve their country, all human means have failed
Why break the compact entered into with pre-