Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-02-04
REMARKS OF MIR. UPHAM.
In the Sonate, Jan. go on The biHto increase u
.4rplU

In the Sonate, Jam 90 on The biHto increase The
.a,my.
Mr.. UPHAM had no disposition to throw any
obstruction in the way Of the Executive in The
prosecution of this war. On the contrary, he de-
sired TO see it brought to close in the shortest
possible period, and hence he should vote for all
such measures as would tend to produce that re-
suit But before he could vote for a measure,
he must be satisfied of its cxpodiency; and
when he was SO satisfied il should have his sup
port.
The President had called for ten regiments of
regulars, and if he could bring himself TO be-
lieve that they were the best troops for the emor-
gency he would vote for them. But under eX-
isting laws, the President could call out large
body of volunteers, which, with these ten rcgl
ments, would swell our forces to seventy seven
thousand men. He admitted, that if the war
was to have an early termination it must be by
the employment of large force, and the ques-
ton was whether il should consist of regulars
or volunteers He would vote for the amendment
of the Senator from Texas, if he were not met
by the constitutional objection which had been
started by the Senator from North Carolina, Mr..
BAnGER.l But he could not vote for that propo
stion with a provision of the Constitution stand
ing in his way. lie was, however, satisfied that
the volunteer forces were the most efficient, the
cheapest, and that they could be raised with the
greatest facility. With these views, when he
had the opportunity, he should vote for the prop
ostion of the Senator from Missouri, Mr. Arch
IsoNl lie would give the President these ten
thousand men as volunteers, and he would give
HIM all that we're authorized by the law Of the
18Th of May last. He had heard no reason as
signed why they were not sutlcent-why the
volunteer force was not Formidable as efficient,
and as desirable for every practical purpose as
the regulars. They have sustained the stars and
stripes wherever and whenever they have been
thrown to the breeze. No matter where they
have gallantly done their duty. lie certainly
felt great repugnance 10 increase the regular
army The Government was never designed to
sustain a regular army, either within our own
borders or to 90 beyond them to conquer other
countries He knew there was dazzling bright
ness around military service; and he knew that
after our soldiers have fought the battles of the
country they return to private life with renown
and honor. He would therefore give TO the Pres
ident the force he asks, if he could bring him
self to believe that it was expcdient. But he
could not agree with some that they, as Senators
had no responsibility in these matters. They
had judgments TO exercise; and when they were
called upon TO grant large forces, they were call
ed upon likewise to judge of the eXpediency o.
the measure. If they deemed 1t eXpedient tC
grant The forces asked for they would yield thei
assent; but if not, it was their duty to give tho
refusal. Believing that volunteer force was
the best, inasmuch us it had been tried and no
found wanting, he should give his vote. for tina
measure that would raise that class Of soldiers
Tree from constitutional objection.