WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1856
376
lieutenants; all are to be officers of a respectable grade. At the next session of Congress we shall be called upon to increase the topographical corps; and they will become so very respectable and disproportionate to the infantry, the artillery, and the cavalry, that in succession you must increase these corps, and add to the officers; otherwise the Army will be disproportionate. Thus, in a short time, the Army will become one of the most important-not arms, but heads of the Government. This is a subject which ought to be discussed in all its philo- sophical and practical bearings upon the country and upon our institutions. I am for maintaining a respectable army, sufficient for the exigencies of the country; but I am not for increasing the Army by little and little-"many mickles make a muckle." By and by it will be formidable, and you will find through all the ramifications of society an Army influence, and you will never hear of the Army being reduced, though you may hear of it being increased at every session. Four regiments were added at the last session to the Army. What have they done? How many millions have they cost the Government? What return do they bring to it? Have they brought glory, distinction, honor; or have they benefited the country in its political or social relations? Here is a cloud in the horizon of our political existence that ought to be cared for; and we should ward off the storms that will come at some period if we go on heedlessly increasing the Army until it becomes a most potent influence in this Govern- ment. Its march may be insidious for a time; it has no power yet to show the lion's teeth; but we should guard against it, or the day will come when, if the fangs be not now drawn from the animal, it will be too potent to allow you to extract them. It will ha_ve an influence in the councils of the Union, and have power to influence the councils of the nation. Though no usurper may rise to head the Army, and it may seem to be sequestered abroad, there will be an influence reflected by the power that is in the Army. There will be the influence of men of character and posi- tion in society, sympathizing with its members, cooperating with its operations; and the country has danger to apprehend from it. Our forefathers, who laid the corner-stone of our liberty, upon which successive men of illustrious character and genius have gradually erected the temple of freedom in which we stand, apprehended the dangers of a standing army, and admonished their successors against its influence, and warned them to beware of it. Sir, we are to look to the militia of our country for defense in time of trouble. We are not to look to the regular army for
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