Debates in the Several State Conventions/Volume 4/Army Reduction
Reduction of the Standing Army.
House or Representatives, January 5, 1800.
Mr. RANDOLPH. I suppose the establishment of a standing army on the country not only a useless and enormous expense, but, upon the ground of the Constitution, the spirit of that instrument and the genius of a free people are equally hostile to this dangerous institution, which ought to be resorted to (if it all) only in extreme cases of difficulty and danger, yet let it be remembered that usage, that immemorial custom, is paramount in every written obligation; and let us beware of engrafting this abuse upon the Constitution. A people who mean to continue free must be prepared to meet danger in person, not to rely upon the fallacious protection of mercenary armies.