Mr. SCHENCK. The remarks of the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. CONKIJNG] take something of the form of argument and statement, as well as of in niry. I shall not, however, undertake to repiy to the extent of being drawn into a discussion of the merits of this body of o the ers to whom reference is made by the resolution. In the 1st place, I can only say, as m the future disposition to be made of this corps, I have not for one made up my mind what is the best legislation upon that subject. Whether to retain the corps as a body, or in corporate it in the regular Army, orto haveare vision of it and an examination of those whoat present constitute those Officers. with a view to an admission ofaportionof them; all of that I leave to be considered, discussed, and acted upon by Congress hereafter. The resolution proposes only that they shall not now be dismissed in a summary way, but that congress should take time to determine what shal be done. Now, as to the general merits of the officers in this corps, l have only to say that the conclusions which the Gentfrom NewYork [Mr. Cosxusc] and myself have recctively reached upon this subject are very dissimilar. I hold that they are a body of men, taken as a whole, of exceedingly meritorious character. 85%. of those of whom this body consists have been wounded more or less severely in the public service, in fightingto put down the rebellion. It is a body of men who have proved themselves to the country and to the government as entitled to both sympathy and justice from that country, and from the Government represent in the country. I hold that if any class of men is entitled to the gratitude of this country, for services actually rendered, it is this body of men, whose character as a body the gentleman now calls in question. But taking the gentlemans own proposition, that there is a large%age of meritorious bilioers included in this bodv, that very fact is a reason why they should not be summarily and as a whole turned out until there shall be some opportunity, under the legislation of Congress, for culling out those who are meritorious, and giving them the opportunity to remain in the service.