The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-07-14

Inc speaker mas several times been required 10
settle the matter. We see sign of final adj
lournment. Will some member make it his bust
ness to keep this subject before the House.
The American Army-The Regulars and
their Officers.
No topic has lately excited more attention,
nor been discussed with more pride than
our gallant army and its officers. Success
always commands notice as an end, but when
brought about by either talent, superiority, or
deeds of daring, the means used and object at
tanned excite respect and praise. In the case of our
own forces not only all ofthese traits have been
exhibited, but combined with them we have seen
discipline, strategy and valor victorious over su-
periorty in numbers, advantage opposition, and
brutal resistance, in an enemy actuated by feelings
OF desperation and dread of famine. or some of
the details connected with the branch of our ma
tlonal power, which has latterly achieved such
triumphs, we would now speak
The aggregate force of the army actually
service on the commencement ofthe present year,
was s,6l9, Of whom 73i were commissioned Off
GERS, and ,SS5 non commissioned officers, must
clans, artiicers, and privates, or about one COM
missioned officer to every ten men; though of
these officers, about $50 being engaged in some
other duty than that of actual command, would
lessen the proportion to officer to every fifteen
men. Since that PERIOD owing to the outbreak of
war with Mexico, two mounted regiments have
been added to the regular army, and orders re-
ceived for the completion OF the previously enrolled
regiments To their maximum number So that
within the succeeding three months, probably, eur
regular forces will amountto about Is 900 rank and
file. We would only wish that with the increase
In numbers, the pay Of the privates raised
10 sum sufficiently commensurate to their SER
vices; and that our officers, now perhaps respec-
tably remunerated, should be allowed, when inca
pacltaled by age or sickness, to retire on half pay
That our army has been thus increased in num-
bers,and abundant appropriations made for subsi-
tence, equipment, and transportation, is in a great
degree owing TO the first opportunity which co.
Cured for a successful display of its utility.
When the news came of the two or three ambus-
cades into which small ds:achments of the main
body of our army in Texas were attacked and
overcome, though no evidences seen OF
want of bravery, yet there were many who CEN
sured the rashness, and moderated the military
skill OF our officers and at that time it could
not be concealed, that an intense anxiety pre-
vailed for the safety of the whole army of occu-
patton. Had Gen. Taylor, at that time, merely
retreated to Point Isabel and held out strongly in
that point, nine-tenths of the American people
weuld not have been dissatisfied with his course
under the circumstances but the reputation of
West Point, the honor OF the troops, and the
glory of the officers, would not admit a delay for
the arrival Of volunteers, to detract from the
merit of those who risked fame and life on their
own exertious. We know the result. The world
knows il, aud all SANDERS and r.dicue hitherto
thrown out against the defenders of the govern
ment, were scattered with the remnants of a
flying foe. But had the result been otherwise
had our army there, cut off from all assistance
been destroyed by the numerical superiority of
the Mexicans, would the allow ances for defeat
been sufficient to have dispelled the GOODNESS with
which most certainly any proposition for increase
Of force would have been received. With armies.
1t is as with indviduals-in their successes and
prosperity they overwhelmed with praise and
offers of assistance, but IN unavoidable sdversitv
no man holds out helping hand
The soldier who now by long services stands a,
the head of the American army il, General
Gaines This veteran, who for nearly sixty
years has fought, and bled, and conquered in the
battles Of his country, is now called to account
by men who were unborn, or in their cradles.
when he was welding the sword in the repulse
of aggression. hero of half century, who
was rewarded by government and applauded
by nation, is now given an opportunity of vindi-
eating his character from charge Of over-zea-
lcusness. We hope the opportunity has been af-
fordsd in spirit OF justice rather than of detrao-
tioht s boz. -,
though not 30 long in service, who was breveted
'.ior his Distinguished good services in the suo-
csssive cmfcisIef Chippewa and Niagara, and
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