Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/315

 CALHOUN AS SECRETARY OF WAR 307 Mr. Simpkins of South Carolina, opposed Mr. Williams' resolution and reminded Congress of the MR. SIMPKINS unfortunate condition of the United SUPPORTS States in 1812 because of the lack of CALHOUN'S military forces. He declared that Cal- POLICY houn was justified in demanding a large army to protect the citizens of this na- tion. 23 In May of the next year, Henry Clay brought forth a similar resolution, 24 and finally Congress asked CALHOUN'S Calhoun to give his opinion on the reduc- PLAN FOR tion. 25 The Secretary of War had al- REDUCING THE ready realized the advisability of econ- NUMBER OF omy, as shown in his letter to Jackson SOLDIERS in March, 1820, which has been quoted above. Calhoun's reply in December, 1820, assumed that this change was inevitable and he resolved to manage it as wisely as possible. 26 He did not want Congress to abolish whole regiments, but only to decrease the number of soldiers in such divisions, in that way avoiding the possibility of having to train new bodies of men in case the army was suddenly increased for a war. It was easier to command some new recruits along with others already experienced in military tactics, than to use companies which were entirely ignorant of such things. Neither did he, want the number of officers reduced, for mere soldiers were easy to drill, but it took time to make a good officer. In the speeches which were made in favor of a reduction, this report was severely criticised. Mr. CRITICISM OF Williams again took the floor to oppose CALHOUN'S the recommendations of the Secretary of REPORT War and asserted that the standing army was dangerous to the liberties of the people, and that since it was a "necessary evil," they should 33 Ibid, 1155-6-7. 24 Annals of Congress, i6th Cong, ist Sess., II, 2233. 25 Annals of Congress, i6th Cong. 2nd Sess., Ill, 607. 26 Annals of Congress, i6th Cong., 2nd Sess., Appendix, 1715.