The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-01-09


The crisis came at last and disclosed itself in rpening
conspiracy at Newburgh. On the l2th Of March, l7s3
Washington thus toachngy aludes to that fearful trans
| action in letter TO friend in Congress
alt generally believed that the scheme not only
IL az As soon the minds Of the army were
thought be prepared for the transaction anonymous in
taons were circulated requesting general meeting
officers the next day AT the same instant copies OF
State line of it. So obtained knowledge of these
things issued the order Of the 18th, transmitted to Con-
have led to the abyss of misery"
did this upon the principle that i i easier to divert from
that have been already taken."--s Sparks, p 1914.
On the leh of March, 1888, Washington made full
port of the transaction to Congress and also made il
the occasion for appeal that noble in spirit it
was affecting and irresistible:
The result of the proceedings of grand of
officers which have the honor Of enclosing exceen
cy for the inspection of Congress will natter myself be
considered the last glorious proof of patriotism which
could have been given by who aspred the distinction
patriot army and viii only confirm their claim the
Justice but will increase their title to the gratitude, of their
country"
Being impressed with the lively sentiments of affection
for those who have long patiently and cheeruly
suffered and fought under Immediate direction having
offered myself as an advocate for their rights
assumed, and to nteroede in their behalf now do, that
the sovereign power will be pleased to verify the predictions
posed in the justice of their country.
81 humbly conceive it is altogether unnecessary, while
ered than any other army ever did in the defence Of
the rights and liberties of human nature, to expatate
ous services perfectly known to the whole
world and because, although the topics nexhausble
enough has already been said on the subject"
That in the critical and perilous my commun
DANGER that dissolution Of the would take place u
similar to those then recommended had been
adopted will not admit doubt That the adoption Of the
all the happy consequences had oreod far respected
the good Of the service the astonishing contrast between
the state of the this instant and the former period
determine and that the establishment of funds and secur
for the payment Of all the just demands Of the army will
be the most certain Of preserving the national faith
and the future tranquility of this extensive continent is
decided opinion.
Instead Of retracng and reprehendng from further
perience and reflection the mode Of compensation renu
onsy urged heretofore and confirmed in the
with the grateful deusion for if besides the simple pay
of their further compensation not due to the
indeed If the whole army have merited whatever
grateful people besow, then have been beguied by
prejudice and built opinion the basis of If this
country should not the event. perform everything which
requested the late memorial Congress- then
will my belief vain and the hope that has been excl
"And if has been suggested for the purpose of inaam
their passions the officers Of the army to be the only
sufferers by this resolutions if retiring from the field they
to old In poverty wretchedness and contempt
owe the miserable that life to charity which
hitherto been spent honor shall have learned what
inrratitude is then shall have realized tale which will
hitter every moment of my future life But under
M auch nnrehensiOns. country rescued by their arms
from Impending g never eave unpaid the debt of graf
itude!-s Sparks, p. 396,
Three days afterwards Washington expressed his senti-
mens the subject with fervor aad eloquence IN
letter written to Governor Harrison:
You have not been altogether unacquained dare say,
the ns s the be
for them hereafter Although rm reliance on the lnte
R Of r. al ina and an
curity tho payment of the hapay OF the officers had
h
ceving from the unpromisng state Of the public finances
hoas er a the debt the
the close of the last campaign excite greater dcontens
and threatened more serious and alarming consequences
than it is easy for to describe to conceive
Then referring to the Newburgh meeting, he adds;
dan writer though be did net step forth and
give his boldly to the world, sent into circulation
address TO the officers of the army which in point Of compo-
ton eloquenoe and force has rarely been equaed in
the English language and in which the dreadful alternative
proposed Of renquishng the service in body,
tanning Their Arms s IN me q until
notwithstanding the storm has now passed overnot-
whsandng the officers have, in despite of their ascumu
lated suerngs, given the most unequvocal and exalted
proofs Of patrotism yet believe unless Justice shall be
debt the deporabe snd runous may
Justice a0ao saaae policy
painful life the field. say in the field because they have
during that period had anything to shelter them from
they could build for themselves"-s Sparks, p 4os
On such considerations of the great question these
Congress the 18th OF March met it with those resou-
tions of compromise and communication which formed its
i third and last revolutionary stage;
"Whereas the officers of the several lines under the inn
mediate command of his excelency General Washington,
did, by their late memorial transmitted by their committee
represent Congress that the halpay granted by undry
resolutions regarded in unfavorabe light by the c
Of Of these States who would prefer cempensa
ton, for limited term Of Of by sum in gross to
estabisnent for life and did that account solicit
mutation of their apay for an equivalent In one Of the
two modes above mentioned in order to all subjects
of dissatisfaction from the minds e fellow citizens and
whereas Congress DESTROYS well OF aing the rea
sonabe expectations the officers of the army removing
States to the principle of the halfpay establishment for
which the faith Of the United States has been pledged
suaded that those objections only arise from the nature
of the compensation not from any ndspoon to compen-
safe those whose services sacrifices and suerngs have
just title the appreciation rewards their country
2 Therefore, resolved, That such officers in
service and shall continue therein to the end of the
shall be entitled to receive the amount of five years full
in money securities interest at six per cent. per
Congress shall find most convenient instead Of the
hapay for life by the resolution of the 2s day of October
1885, and said securities to be such shall be given to the
other creditors of the United States Provided 1t be the
option of the lines Of the respective States and not of officers
individually in those lines, accept refuse the
as. The Communication shall extend to the corps not
belonging to the lines of particular Of Con-
| gress, March 20, 1888.
tween the United States and Great Britain made
the 18th of April, 1888 No provision for paying the
debte due to the army uttered The alouses of the
States rendered the confederation still poweess than
ever
On the 9Th of June, 1883, Washington announced the