26. ACADEMY (The Military), Beginning.—
It was proposed [at a meeting of the cabinet] to recommend [in the President's
speech to Congress] the establishment of a
Military Academy. I objected that none of
the specified powers given by the Constitution
to Congress would authorize this. * * *
The President [said], though it would be a
good thing, he did not wish to bring on anything
which might generate heat and ill
humor. It was, therefore, referred for further
consideration and inquiry. [At the next
meeting] I opposed it as unauthorized by the
Constitution. Hamilton and Knox approved
it without discussion. Edmund Randolph
was for it, saying that the words of the Constitution
authorizing Congress to lay taxes
&c., for the common defence, might comprehend
it. The President said he would not
choose to recommend anything against the
Constitution; but if it was doubtful, he was
so impressed with the necessity of this measure,
that he would refer it to Congress, and
let them decide for themselves whether the
Constitution authorized it or not.—
The Anas.
Washington ed. ix, 182.
Ford ed., i, 270.
(Nov. 1793)
