The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
The act authorizing a detachment of 100,000 men from the
militia will expire on the 30th of March next. Its early revival
is recommended, in order that timely steps may be
taken for arrangements such as the act contemplated.
Without interfering with the modifications rendered necessary
by the defects or the inefficacy of the laws restrictive of
commerce and navigation, or with the policy of disallowing
to foreign armed vessels the use of our waters, it falls within
my duty to recommend also that, in addition to the precautionary
measure authorized by that act and to the regular
troops for completing the legal establishment of which enlistments
are renewed, every necessary provision may be made
for a volunteer force of 20,000 men, to be enlisted for a short
period and held in a state of organization and readiness for
actual service at the shortest warning.
I submit to the consideration to Congress, moreover, the
expediency of such a classification and organization of the
militia as will best insure prompt and successive aids from
that source, adequate to emergencies which may call for
them.
It will rest with them also to determine how far further
provision may be expedient for putting into actual service,
if necessary, any part of the naval armament not now
employed.
At a period presenting features in the conduct of foreign
powers toward the United States which impose on them the
necessity of precautionary measures involving expense, it is a
happy consideration that such is the solid state of the public
credit that reliance may be justly placed on any legal provision
that may be made for resorting to it in a convenient
form and to an adequate amount.
| The writings of James Madison, | |