Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-02-25
speech or Mr. wick. of Iudiana.

officers, musicians and prfvates, OF the army OF the
United States, and The mil tia and volunteers in the
service Of the same, and allowing them bounty land in
certain cases.
Mr. WICK obtained the floor aud said
an honorable member from Ksn,ueky GMr. Tbomsssoni
asked the question with much emphasis, whether the
Democratic party this floor could be serious, sin
cere IN their apparent advocacy OF this measured As
indication Of the contrary the honorable member alluded
to the fact that occasions during the last session
OF Congress great number OF those composing that
party here voted, apparently, against propositions Tor
raising the pay Of the volunteers alone the exclusion
OF the militia and regular forces
Sir, take this TO myself am Of the Demo-
cratic party, and one, both, (no matter whch) Of
the occasions alluded by the honorable member,
voted against the propositions for the raising of the
of the voIuneersat least apparently; though believe
could satisfy any reasonable that such
cast, not because Of opposition the ITSELF but
from other prudential considerations that, too indie
pendently Of subsequent action or votes the same
subject
Sir, was aware, when gave the vote alIu-
ded to, that was making myself liable to much mis-
representation, and equally that the occasion
would be suffered pass here elsewhere But
also know my motives aud intentions correct and
was willing to trust the matter to time aud the judgments
OF honest
Ii is true, sir, that the those were given
were just entering spcn the end expense Of
which no could oresse And it is also that
were bringing about the tariff reform which the Demo
cratic party stood pledged before the nation aud the
world and under such circumstances, a prudent man
might wen pause before he would give vote involving
increased probable expenditure of many millions, the
measure from which such expenditure would result being
suddenly sprung upon and forced without
time for consideration; for understand the natter
she highest OF duties here guard the pockets of
those represent against unreasonable taxao and the
prodigal expenditure from which it must result.
But, gitlsough such a sufficient
at demagogues and maIconents and better
any motive Of theirs deserved vet would Of ITSELF by
means have commanded my at last
session, alluded TO by the honorable member from Ken
lucky. Nor, sir, will now occupy the time of the
Ree in stating all the other which seemed to
at the time amply sufficient to control my vote against
te propositions referred but will myself with
stating two, which will address themselves to the under
standing Of all reasonable men.
In the first place, the increase of pay provided for by
the propositions Of last session. neither sufficiently
valuable substantial a compensation TO
the gallant spirits who, the first annunciaton ct a
Of war; and that their services in the battlefield
wanted rushed forth to and endure the
dangers Of battle and the poignant suerings incident to
inaction within sight Of the enemy, the fatigues OF
Marches the dull routine OF camp Duty to the
Of disease and the pains OF sickness far from
home and friends; II sufficiently dlgnhed rs an
expression OF the OF the country, concerning a
patriotism and sefsacri6ce conspicuous and glorious
A. together with many gentlemen this side oil the
House. preferred that substantial grant OF land should
either suPersede accompany the proposed increase oil
pay, better accomplishing both the objects which
have stated. And for this reason and others voted
against the propositions alluded by the honorable men,
Der from Kentucky. THIS operated only upon
Of discretionary duty But another reason pre-.
sened itself which, so far as am concerned addressed
itsen conscentousness and patriotism COM
manded me to assume the responsibility incident to my
station even though the result might be that, for time
90 mine enemy ght rejoice me, and good and
friendly minds for time, might misunderstood me-
Si the when the propositions alluded to by the
honorable member from Kentucky presented, the
companies of the regular army averaged but about thirty
each. We had just passed law on Executive re-
commendaiOn authorizing The filling OF those COM
panies eighty, one hundred men. Experience had
shown that to enlist men into the regular army
difficult and tedious operation While the volunteer
vice is always deemed highly honorable, and is conse
quenty popular, the regular service was, at the time
alluded to by the honorable member from Kentucky mol
popular, and enlistment deemed dsParagement TO
abe individual euisting, and to his family The regular
army fully Offered, and the burden OF that ofheer-
ang must be borne at aH events. By creating dsnc
ton bewsen the pay Of the volunteers and regulars,
she disadvantage OF the latter, would have increased
the disparagng considerations already existing TO the
prejudice Of the regular service efectuaiiy put
stop to further enistments. will not pause to ask d
the propositions Of last session would have beer just
The heroes Of Palo Alto and OF Resaca dc la Palma
win not appeal the heart in their ayor for poor TEL
1ows they ones constituents they have votes
friends who and the politician can there
fore afford forget them, and there to make
cIamOr for them; but will ask if is clear that the
effect of the proposition the pay of the volunteers
and Of the regular soldier, would have been fatal
the service of the country? Sir, this question must be
answered in the affirmative. BY such we
should not only put stop TO further enlistment as
have shown, but we would have begoen, in the various
corps of the regular army, spirit of dsconen eadn.
strifes jeaousies and euds, between the vountee
and regular corps and deseon of flag in the hou
of danger Sir repeat it would have been fatal stat
10 the regular service and to the harmony coneomen
emulation, and discipline, Of the whole army
Knowing that was well watched by the small-potat
gentry who claim the appelIation OF politicians, ant
which will willingly award TO them the bad sense
condition that may be permitted to deny their clam
the appelaiion, characteristics of statesmen EN-
braced the first opportunity offer resolution accord
with the views which have stated and directIn
inquiry, by the Committee Military Affairs int
the pruPnety Of suitable grant the whole army regu
lars and volunteers; for which see page 1O43 Of th
Congressional Globe Of the first Of the 29h Cor
Efess. In due time the honorable chairman Of ths
committee [Mr. Haralson Of Georgia. reported a hill f.
the purpose designated for which volume, Pag
1O56 Of the Congressional Globe and il is but Justice
the honorable gentleman fB1r HaralsonI say that o
half dozen previous occasions he had endeavOreG
ssulIy obtain the leave Of the House Intro
duce the bill Ii the close of the session whe
fhis bill was introduced, and IL left among the uT
finished business, up the present An
sir. neither out Of place, out Of season, b.
exactly in both, have the blli before us, much IN
proved as think. Ii embraces not only the voluntee
and regulars, but also drafted militia; thus remedyng
defect in the resolution offered by myself, under whic
the bill reported, which escaped my memory at Il
Of drafting IT, Ii not only grants land to- but
Hncreases the pay of, all the corps of the army. In
present shape in any liberal shape, resulting fro
amendment will receive my cheerful and heartfelt su
port, stripped 1t is, of The objections which col
nanded my adversely the propositions of last
son. alluded to by the honorable member from kentuck
Sir, am glad that this opportunity is afforded me,
prove by speech and vote thai the friend OF tho
gallant Spirits the volunteers, and that, though have
always felt myself bound to expound my for
votes Of last session, the {" bald dsjoint
chat or scribbis of PoPinjay politicians am WI
able at the proper time and in the proper place, 10
the forth in order for the consideration Of Just
candid men.
Sir, neither BY demonstrations here by 6guri
and wre-puling at home, am engaged to the support
this bill; but solely by a high of what is due
fhOaQ " n HQI