The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-18

be continually needed TO protect our com
mcrce and defend our coast, while land
forco would only be wanted in cases of hos
tilitics on our soil, the probabilities Of
which were exceedingly remote. The
trainers OF the Constitution contemplated
temporary Federal armies and therefore
provided only for temporary appropriations.
They designed that when our wars should
bc ended the "armics should be mustered
out Of the public service. They refused TO
allow appropriations to be made TO support
thcm indefinitely, or for periods longer than
two years.
And yet successive Congresses have
made these appropriations for over three
quarters OF n century. And the fact will
some day be- accepted Ms astonishing in
the history Of the republic. The Ignorance
Of the people, the indifference of politicians,
and the carelcssness and compliance of Rop-
rcsentativcs and Senators have steadily
favored since 1857 the aggressiOns OF the
epauetted survivors OF the Revolutionary
war and their successors, till they have cul-
minated in large standing army, with eX-
travagant life pay for the officers, rich
retired list for them while yet effective, and
"a
privileged order Of society In the midst Of u
democracy. supported in idlcncss and lux
ury out Of the earnings Of labor And there
Is not a line in the Constitution of the United
States to uphold the system or any OF the
annual appropriations made by Congress to
sustain it.
What, then, is the Federal provision for
an adequate military force? II is to be
found in the 18th and 18th articles of the sth
section. These give Congress the power
ia To provide for calling forth the militia TO execute
The laws Vi the unOu suppress Instruction and rcpcl
invasion.
10 10 provide for organizing arming. ard disciplin.
ns the militia. and tor governing such part OF them as
may bee employed IN the service of che United States
serving to the states respectively the appointment of the
Officers AMI the authority u training the militia accord
ins TO the discipline prescribed by Congress-
The only military force that can be con-
stitutionally employed to execute the laws
of the Union and suppress insurrcction is
the militia. And there is no limitation of
two years, or any other time. 10 the appro-
priations Of money which Congress may
make In the exercise OF its power to provide
| for organizing, arming, and dIsciplining
the militia. 1t was contemplated that the
militia would be n permanent force. The
militia is the standing army of the Consti-
tuition. The occasions for calling it into the
field comprehend every possible use of an
army in the republic; TO give effect to the
| laws, to suppress political rebellion and
riotous instruction, to repcl invasion OF our
territory, or other form Of war on our citi-
zens and our authority. What need Is there
OF any other force? Any other army than
/ this is contradictory to the principles on
which the Federal league was formed, and
/ opposed to the spirit of the nation. That is
democratic. Our Government is simply the
expression Of the peoples will frequently
declared. \ standing army is a constant
menace TO this; or it is a useless and sense
less imitation Of the machinery Of force in
! use in the arbitrary or dynastic Govern
mcnts OF the Old World. Therefore,
| ABOLISH THE REGULAR ARMY, AND EsTAB-
LIsH THE ARMY OF THE CONSTITUTION
WHICH Is THE MILITIA!