The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-06-18
Cur Standing Army-European Ideas OF
American Strength.

American Strength.
In many parts Of Europe, and particularly in
England the most erroneous ideas prevail in rela-
ton 10 the military strength of this country. An
opinion is prevalent that our standing army being
50 small, for the first two or three years of war
with any powerful nation, we should suffer defeat
after defeat; and that consequently it would be
madness for us TO engage in war, at least with
any strong European power
The events of the last two months have shown
conclusvely that this opinion is, in fact founded
in ignorance Of our real strength and resources,
and that the first speck of war on our horizon is
sufficient to call forth into full play all the latent
energies of the American people
This erroneous impression arises from the fact
that our standing army does not amount to over
5000 men. The people of Europe are not aware
that this force forms but the nucleus of an army
OF citizen soldiers, that can be numbered by the
million; and how much soever we may regret the
occasion Of the Mexican war, yet il may be con-
sldered as not altogether unfortunate, as ndca-
ting what force the United States can bring into
the field at so short notice.
When the requistion for troops was first made
upon the Governor of Louisiana, it was imagined
that it would be necessary to resort TO draft to
procure the required number. AT that time
the people Of Louisiana did not believe
in the existence of with the Mexicans.
They had such a contemptous opinion of their
army, that they thought the handful of men in
General Taylor's camp amply sufficient to MAIN
tain the occupation of the Rio Grande, as they
had no expectation that the Mexicans would
attempt offensive measures. But no sooner was
il known tl.at it was no sham war, and that they
would have IN opportunity of meeting the enemy,
than thousands volunteered their services, not
Only in Louisiana. but all over the country. The
number required by the President from the
several States is fifty thousand. and more than
double that number, according to the best calcula-
ton, have already volunteered.
In Louisiana nearly thousand mounted gun
men, who had volunteered, have been disbanded,
as there is no need of their services. The State
has already sent six regiments to the seat of war,
and those two regiments were mustered in two
weeks,
In Alabama several companies more than were
necessary volunteered their services, and the
order to remain at home caused a great deal of
disappointment among them That State will
probably have sent between two and three thou
sand men to the seat of war
In Mississippi more volunteer companies have
1t viii probably send two thousand men to the
field
In Tennessee double as many men have volun-
teered were required to fill upAhe quota de-
manded of the State. In one division of the State
thirteen companies rendered their services when
only three were wanted, and the choice had to
be made by ballot; those who were so fortunate
as to be chosen receiving the announcement with
shouts OF 10Y.
In Kentucky the two regiments required by the
government, were filed up by the 18th of May,
and the Governor was obliged to issue his procla-
nation TO put stop to the volunteering. The
greatest disappointment prevails among those
who were not mustered into service Ten thou
sand men could have been mustered in Kentucky
in few days, if necessary, Of troops that are not
surpassed by any in the world.
In Missouri the complement called for was i,
progress OF formation, the only difficulty being to
choose from the numbers offering themselves
One thousand mounted men were required for
descent on Santa Fe, and by the last accounts,
there was more than half that number mustered.
This is the spirit that prevails over the entire
Western country. Several members Of Congress
have left the seat Of government and started for
the West, to enrol men aud proceed to Mexico.
Ohio, the greatest abolition State in the Union,
was the first to fill up the complement called for
by the President, and the same spirit prevails
among the New England States, that were most
violently opposed to the annexation of Texas
New York and all the Atlantic States are pouring
out thousands and tens Of thousands, and there
are many companies that will not be restrained
from going to the scene of action, whether their
services are accepted by government or not
These volunteers are fitted 10 make excellen,
'oldiess They are well drilled and disciplined.