The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-01-22

Tie following important message was
received on the 4lh and referred to the
military committee:
IL lie Senate and Novse of
Representatives. ofHs Jnitsd States:
In order 10 prosecute the war with
Mexico with vigor and success, it is ne
cessary that authority should be prompt.
~ given by Congress to increase the
regular army, and 10 remedy existing De.
fects in It's organization. wish this view
your favorable attention is invited to the
annexed repor, Of tie Secretary IF War.
hIch accompanied my message Of the
Slh inst, IN which he recommends thai
ten additional regiments of regular troops
sholId be raised /, serve during the war.
OF the additional regiments Of yolun.
teers which have been called for from
several Of the States. some have been
promptly raised, but this has not been
the case in regard to all. The existing
IA " requiring that icy should he organ.
ized hv HE independent action of the
State Governments. has in some instar-
res occasionIt considerable delay. and it
i, Vet uncertain when Tie troops required
can be ready for service in the field.
1t is our settled poIicv to maintain, in
time Of peace, as small REGULAR army "a
the txigencl-s "f ,le public service will
permit. In state of war, notwnrsland-
ing the great advantage with which our
volunteer clizen soldiers can be brought
int, tie field, the small regular army
mus, be increased in lis numbers in order
to render tie whole force more efficient.
Additional officers as well as men.
then, become Indispensable. Under the
circumstances a peculiar propriery exists
for increasing the officers, especially in
the higher grades. Tie number Of such
officers, who from age and other circum-
stances, are rendered incapable of active
service in tie field, has seriously impair
ed the efficacy Of the army.
From the report Of The Secretary Of
War, ii appears that abou, two'lhils Of
the whole number Of regimenta field Off
GERS are either permanently disabled, or
are necessarily detached from their com.
manGs on other duties. Tie long enjoy
men, Of peace has prevented us from ex-
perioncng much embarrassment from this
cause bu, now in a state Of war, con-
Quoted in foreign country, it has produ-
ced serious injury 10 the public service.
An efficient organization Of the army,
composed Of regulars and volunteers.
while prosecuting the war in Mexico, it
is believed, would require the appoint
ment Of a General officer to take the com.
mand of all our military forces in the
field.
Upon the conclusion Of the war, the
services OF such an officer would no lon.
pc, be necessary, and should be dispcn-
sed with upon the reduction OF the army
TO peace establishment.
recommend that provision hr made
by law for the appointment of such gen.
eral officer TO serve during the war.
1t is respectfully recommended that
early action should be had by Congress
upon the suggestion submitted 10 their
consideration as necessary TO secure ac.
tive and efficient service in prosecuting
the war before the preeent favorable sea-
son for military operations IN the enemy's
country shall have passed away.
JAMES X. POLK.
Washington, Dec. 30, isiG'
"Oh DEAR exclaimed m urchie who
was chewing green apple, I've swal'
lowed an odd rellow!'
"An odd.fellow 7"