The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-03-05
FROM WASHINGTON.
WA,HINeroy. Feb. Dc.

WAsHISGToS, Feb. 90.
The causes Of the rejection of the Army in
crease bill by the Senate, are the subject Of
remark. The bill itself, 10 the shape which
Il had assumed, of provision for raising
three Thousand volunteers for twelve months,
was rejected by a vote Of l6 to IS. The
original Recommendation Of the Secretary Of
War for the addition Olive regiments TO
the Army, only eight votes, and could not
now obtain so many. Mr.. Jefferson Davis
proposition 70: increasing the regular Army
by the addition of thirty companies, was re-
jected, and his other project for increasing
the number of men in each company to
ninety-six was withdrawn. IL was found
impossible 10 give the bill any shape in which
it would be acceptable to tho Senate.
The reasons for this hostility to the measure
are to be found in the fact that the Senators
do not acknowledge any particular obligation
to sustain n measure because it proceeds
from the Executive. They claim the right
Of exercising their Judgment upon their own
responsibility. This being the case, il was
soou found that the Senate was opposed to
prosecution Of war in Utah, and believed
it 10 be unnecessary. One reason for the
proposed increase OF the army was therefore
imperative. Many Senators preferred the
employment Of volunteers and others again
were hostile to this account of the vastly in
creased expense which it would involve.
II was urged also that, as the Executive
had withdrawn nearly all the troops from
the frontier to send them TO Utah, the addi-
tional force proposed was necessary to prevent
Indian hostiiities. But, on the other hand, il
was asserted that there was no danger OF
Indian aggressions, unless provoked by the
frontier settlers. The vast expenses of our
military establishments and Of military ope-
rations in the interior Of the continent, were
another reason for hesitating at the increase
Of the army.
The statement made in the Senate, that
the expense of the army is fifteen hundred
dollars man yearly, isnot much exaggerated.
An army deficit bill for seven millions Is
soon to be acted on. Another bill, involving
seven millions more, for the war debts of
Oregon and Washington Territories has not
yet been reported, but is to be.
The Administration will use such means
as they have to reinforce Col. Johnston, and
afford him means Of transportation. The
troops from the Atlantic States, as we'll as
the frontiers, will be Withdrawn for the pur-
pose.
The House will probably mature and pass
some measure, not for the permanent increase
of the army. but to authorize the President
to raise volunteers, for limited time, when
he shall deem it expedient.
The Senate will proceed on Monday to
consider the bill for the admission of Kansas
In the course of month The bill may be
disposed of, and afford room for the consid-
Grafton of other subjects.
Senator Bell, of Tennessee, has declared
that he will vote for the acceptance of the
LecomptOn Constitution, if it will give peace
to the South.
There appears to be no doubt that the bill,
as reported in the Senate, could be passed,
though not without prOtraeted struggle
But If the Senate or House undertake to tam
per with Mr.. Green's bill, so as to concern
trate for II the support Of the vots-slavery
democrats-ihe bill will be rejected.-Cor.
Char. Cour.