The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-26
The Union OF the Army and Marine Corps.
PROTEST OF MARISE-THE MARINE CORPS DO NOT
DESIRE USios-DEFENcE OF THE MARINES.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
In your paper Of the I'd inst there Is an article en-
titled THE Increase Of the Army and Marine Corps
purpoting to set forth the advantages to be derived
from union Of these two bodies Now, sir, as an
officer Of the latter corps beg TO enter my protest
against his wholesale assertion that all the officers
are in favor Of this, with the exception Of the staff
l. at least am not and what In more, have failed TO
perceive in this eulogium on the artillery anything
10 convince other marine officers Of the benefits they
will acquire by assisting to consummste your
pondent's desire 1t is an old story. This union
was spoken Of years ago and wiser heads. perhaps,
than our knight Of the artillery decided that pre-
sent organization was the most efficient for the SER
vice II had to perform.
II Is true we like the surgeons and pursers, have
to complain Of neglect on the part Of Congress
in not giving the opportunities Of an elegant
education as they have TO Che army and navy, and,
individuals, no doubt, depore our ignorance, our
unmtary appearance and want OF discipline; but
do not think others can prefer such grave charges
AZ least not one who IL as ignorant the corps ad
its wants rs the writer Of the efusion before me
seems 10 he.
II would be exceedingly agreeable To the Artillery
occasionally TO be stationed at our Navy Yards. or
make a cruise 10 the Mediterranean. But IL Is hard
10 discover prospective pleasure In the nducement
offered to exchange these stations for Texas or
Utah outpost. Promotion, no doubt, by this union
would be more rapid. but most Of would prefer
our present positions Of rank, " only to be acquired
by such sacrifice Of comfort and the individuality
OF n distinct corps.
One Of the reasons given for this change is that
the Marine Corps would longer occupy its present
anomalous position az neither sailors soldiers"
Beyond the hauling on main sheet or brace as
sailors we are not required. But who before has
ever charged us seriously Of not being soldiers
When have our services ever been required that we
have not acted efficiently When have our officers
and men been found incompetent to perform all the
duties assigned theml have seen the Artillery at
their manGuvres and did not discover the great
difference In their execution your correspondent
would lead the ignorant to suppose existed between
the two bodies; and yet officers have never had
the advantages Of military education. As for our
officers being appointed from West Point, IL what
we have ever desired: but there Is necessity Of
our corps being submerged in the Artillery 10 gain
this privilege. As corps which is often called
upon TO act In concert with the army entitled
to H. and in time will have IL. Your correspondent
thinks that by the rotation Of different regiments
for sea service il would cause emulation and much
valuable information might he collected. Now, sir,
should like 10 know IT. when II is necessary TO accu
mulate knowledge abroad, could not he better per
fosmed by those who have been accustomed TO foreign
countries, customs arts and manners than by those
who practically ignorant ofthemI BY thus detail.
ing regiments after regiments for duty, even the
oldest captain would be placed in the awkward posi-
tion OF not knowing where the scutte-but spirit
room was 10 be found, on which to post his senti.
nes TO say nothing Of the seasickness he would be
likely 10 suffer- So thus, with a his educational al
vantages he would be the laughing stock OF the ship
from his want Of experience. Nothing " learned
but by an apprenticeship, and A. the Marine corps
is already acquainted with its profession, cannot
see what benefit the government would derive from
this proposed change.
Since the Marine Corps, in its present form, has
been attacked by the cynical remarks Of this friend
of the Artillery hope may be excused OF vanity
If in this communication should call your attention
to the good discipline that has ever been maintained,
and how useful corps under all circumstances, has
proved itself. Facts which those who are acquant-