The Chief Ambassadors Do Not
Receive More Than 1800l. Per Annum, And The Chief Justice, Whose Duties
Are Certainly Both Arduous And Responsible, Only Receives A Salary Of
1000l. A Year.
The principal items of expenditure are connected with the
army and navy, and the officers in both these services are amply
remunerated.
The United States navy is not so powerful as might be
expected from such a maritime people. There are only twelve ships of the
line and twelve first class frigates, including receiving-ships and those
on the stocks.
The standing army consists of 10,000 men, and is regarded with some
jealousy by the mass of the people. The pay in this branch of the service
varies from that of a major-general, which is 1000l. a year, to that of
a private, which is about 1s. 6d. a day. This last is larger than it
appears, as it is not subject to the great deductions which are made from
that of an English soldier. The real military strength of America consists
of an admirably trained militia force of about 2,200,000 men, supported at
an enormous expense. This large body is likely to prove invincible for
defensive purposes, as it is composed of citizens trained to great skill
as marksmen, and animated by the strongest patriotism; but it is to be
hoped that it also furnishes a security against an offensive war on a
large scale, as it is scarcely likely that any great number of men would
abandon their business and homes for any length of time for aggressive
purposes.
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