Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-02-27

and in consequence Of the information
Zen ss:s'tsa from al sides Of the cham
GER they are willing to adoprtn r.,c. Of their bill
am brought, them to the conclusion that must
vote either for the proposition of the Senator from
Tennessee or for that of the Senator from Virginia;
and to enable me to get at the proposition of the
Senator from Virginia, must of course vote against
the substitute offered BY the Senator from Tennes.
see, which is now pending. I do this expressing at
tie same time my entire confidence in the militia,
the volunteer force of the country to do any militia.
~ service that may be required of them. But the
point is whether for the particular service for which
force is DOW needed, volunteers will be the most
effective whether it is better to adopt the sug-
geston of the Senator from Virginia to raise tenn
porary regular forcer
It has occurred to me, on q comparison of the
two propositions that that of the Senator from Vir
GINA is to be preferred. Both provide only for a
temporary increase; and now nobody goes for a
judgment of the Senate is against permanent in
crease. Some individual Senators may prefer
measure Of that kind; but am looking at the ques-
ton in practical point of view. The increase is to
be temporary merely. Then, if understand the
proposition of the Senator from Tennessee there is
men, organized regiments, but there is to be an
incrrasef all the officers necessary to officer those
regiments. This is to be done by the men them
selves electing their officers. The proposition Of
the Senator from Virginia instead of providing for
four thousand men. provides only for raising up
wards of two thousand and they are to be put in
regiments, and the officers to take command of those
regiments to be detailed by the President of the
United States from the present regular army SO
that, if bis proposition prevails to have no
increase Of officers but increase of privates only
and an increase of prvates not to exceed two thou
sand four hundred men. The proposition of the Sc
nator from Tennessee, however, is to increase the
army four thousand men, and to have sufficient
number Of additional officers to officer four regi-
ments.
Mr.. HUNTER. will state to my friend that my
proposition will be that there shall be no new field
the President may, If he chooses, detail all under
field officers from captain down but not necessarily
constraining him to do SO.
Mr. BIGGS. That is what understand, and that
10 one difficulty had in my mind; aud on that
point desire to obtain information from the Com.
mittee on Military Affairs, or any gentleman who
can give me the information. desire to know
whether or not we have in the army at the present
time sufficient number of officers to officer three
more regiments2 If we have it seems to me that
the proposition of the Senator from Virginia is
much to be preferred to the amendment now pend
ing. 1t is to be preferred for several reasons. So
far Is the question of efficiency is concerned it is to
be preferred; for it must be evident that officers
who have gone, through a regular military training
are much more competent to take charge Of new re-
giments than volunteer officers just coming into the
service. .r.T
But there is another and very important consider
alton which, it seems to me, makes the proposition
Of the Senator from Virginia preferable to that of the
Senator from Tennessee. It is, that we get rid of
the payment of the officers of the three regiments
% far - the expense of raising the regiments is
cerned, which is very important item. I under
stand (though on this point may be in error, and
%, desire to be corrected) that the greater por
ton OF the expense of raising regiments results
from the payments we have to make to the officers
The Senator from Virginia proposes to officer the
new regiments by detailing persons now in the SER
vice, and now in the pay Of the Government.
Then, it being intended to be q temporary meas.
Of the United States, by the Secretary Of War, by
the Committee on Military Affairs, by all who have
the best means of knowing how this force ought to
be raised, and how it will be most efficient for the
service required that it is proper to raise regulars
shall most unquestionably vote for the proposition
OF the Senator from Virginia in preference to that
OF tho Senator from Tennessee. To enable me to do
%. shall have to vote against the amendment Of
the Senator from Tennessee, although originally.
was for tbs proposition of the Military Committee
70 raise additional companies.
Il il matter Of vast importance while We obtain
IN acient force that it be such force "A will COST
@ ttde as possible to the country. am not one Of
those who viii count dollars and cents where thu
necessities Of the Gerersment require that the hon
Or Of the country the laws Of the country shall be
vindieated; but apprehend the settled judgment
Of the Senate after hearing oil that has been said on
this subject is that additional force Of three re-
gimspts is sufficient for all the present exigences Of
die public service; and ii in doing this We can get
the best force at less cost to the Treasury, think
thste hss arrived In the present situation of the
! public Treasury when We SHOULD adopt that which
shall cost the Government the least
nm gratiaed 1t one portion Of this debate which