Page:A Few Plain Observations Upon the End and Means of Political Reform.djvu/45

 materials of which it is composed are indeed not less distinguished for enterprizing and persevering courage—but the wretched system of purchasing Promotion has a strong tendency to damp and repress the ardour of the soldier of fortune, and cannot fail in too frequent instances to elevate inexperienced and sometimes undeserving young men above those who have superior merit, maturer talents, and longer services to plead—I will readily admit that it is expedient, as a general rule, that every officer should have a considerable stake in the welfare of his Country—but why not increase the pay of the lowest rank of subalterns, and with the pay, the original purchase; leaving no future possibility of trafficking for promotion; and setting aside the rule of seniority in no case where eminent merit and brilliant services shall not require and authorize such a distinction.