Mr. ROSS. I move that thisbill be recommitted to the ComMilAffrs, with instructions to remodel and reform the bill so as to reduce the Army to a number not exceeding 40,000 men. Mr. Speaker, I do not profess to be well versed in military affairs. But I have been unable to see the necessity of so large a standing army as that provided by the bill reported by the committee. It is ver exensive to maintainso large an army in the ield and I do not regar such an army as being in conso naiice with the theory of our institutions. Our dependence for defense is not upon a standing army. In case of an invasion of our country, or any infraction of our rights, our reliance has always been upon the volunteers who respond promptly to the call of the Government for the purpose of repelling invasion and maintaining our rights. I have not heard from any gentleman the necessity for fastening upon a people already burdened and borne down by the weight of taxation the enormous expense of a large standing army. I would be glad if some member of the Military Committee, or some other member of the House who may be conversant with the subject, would inform us as to the expense of keeping a regiment in the field. I know. that last year there was testimony taken before the ComTerritor in relation to the expense of keepinga regiment of cavalry in the In inn country and military men testified before that committee that the entire expense of keeping a regiment of cavalry in service in that country was $2,000,000 perannum. course it would not be so exensive to maintain a regiment in other parts of the country. Sir, I cannot give my consent to burden the people of this country with furthertaxation for this purpose, unless there is more apparent necessity for it than any which I have been able to discover, and therefore I have moved and I trust such may be the opinion of this House, that this bill be recommitted with instructions to remodel and refnshion its provisions in accordance with what I have suggested. I have no disosition to protract debate upon this question. I desired merely to exress my opinion upon the subject and I shal be glad, i a sufficient number shall coincide with me, to be permitted to record our votes in favor of an Army of not exceeding 40,000 men in time of once.