The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-09-18

81 The soldiers, aa il done IN the United States
and every army of the old world It il true,
the pay was not large--not as large even ~
thai in the service Of Virginia and North Car.
DINA, which States paid their chaplains hun
dred and fifty dollars month. The Confederate
Congress- fixed the pay at $s5 per mouth, or
81 te2oa year This amount. however, was ne-
eepted by many elergymen, some of them emf
nent men in their vocation, having large FAM
lies dependent upon them, in the spirit of self
sacrifice universal in the South, who gave up
mach larger salaries and the comparative ease
OF ordinary ministerial duties. for the hard
ships and labors of camp life.
II was barely possible, al the high rates Of
living prevailing throughout the country, for
IA gentleman to support IA family on this amount
in the rural districts, and quite impossible in a
city But what shall be said of the last act of
Congress reducing this inadequate salary, but
little more than half the salary OF chaplains
under the Virginia and North Carolina Coy
ernments, 10 the pititul sum of fifty dollars
month, or six hundred dollars year We
arc not surprised To learn that this last act
which might be entitled AN act to abolish the
office Of chaplain in The Confederate Army -
has been followed by the resignation of some
OF the most valuable chapans in the service
gentlemen of high character, solid learning,
and every way qualified for their responsible
positions; but who, of course, find it utterly
impossible, if they would keep their wivee
md children out Of ;he almshouse, to retain
their present positions
We take it for granted that, in establishing
this office, the Confederate Government in
tended in good faith 10 recognize the real spir
itual necessities OF humanity. especially i'll An
army, where men Are exposed 10 great trials
OF mind and body, and are in the constant
presence OF death Every Government in the
world appreciates the powerful influence of
religion IL exalting TIE human soul, in in
spring II TO duty, in making it to disdain dan
ger and welcome death, rather than sacritioe
principle and duty Even the false faith Of
MAHoMET imparts to Turkish soldiers des-
PeIation of vnlor which they could have ae-
quired from other source. and the faliat-
cism OF the Roundheads gave them degree Of
military vigor and persistency to which mos
of their successes in the field may be attrbu-
ted We find the descendants OF these people
endeavoring 10 revive and invigorate that
source Of the strength of their toretatheEs,
and actually repnblishing for the use of their
own volunteers OLIVER CROMwKELs seiec-
lions from the Holy Scriptures. Surely, at
such ia time, we should not diminish the eff
cheney Of the religious element in our own
army, even if we look al il only as Il means
of giving increased vi@or and energy 10 our
arms
Il is "A penny wise and pound foolish DO
licy so 10 reduce the clerical salaries as to com
pei the most valuable OF the married clergy 10
leave the army. There will be scores of men
compelled 10 resign, under this reduction,
whom it would he economy to retain at dou-
be the first amount. Who eau estimate the
value to the morals and happiness of a resi-
ment of Il highly educated and high minded gen
tlcman. whose experience and character will
onahle him to he the guide counsellor and
friend" Of he thousand young and inpul-iyc
,pirys by whom he is surrounded ? What pa
II nj with Il son in snch regiment. would
which would be necessary 10 onsurc his -on All
experience! Guardian and sylnpathi1irg friend
in battle, and p faithful minister At the bed Of
lise&~a and death
In other respects services can he rendered
by chapIains OF intelligence and character,
which without reference - their clerical d,,,ios.
would be worth The whole amount ottheir eala
riea. They could visit The hG-pit;is and ex-
.rcise tia, Furary. l,'as and superintendent
there w!ch is Impossible for the attending
physician " hose tilne is sufficiently occupied
in making prescriptions, 20 prevent them from
performing any other duty. The ehapiains
daily presence III these institui ion, vouid hot
o;liv he a source Of inexpgessble Satisfaction
ana comfort to those brave men. whose hearts
have been opened by the hand Of disease and
the hazard OF death to spiritual rninistrations
bat anv neglect Of their physical comfort
and worse than ne9lect any harsh sad b,uta
treatment, would never he attempted in tie face
OF Il watchful, influential, and systemat icvisita
tion. Ali these considerations sustain the policy
lis we'll as justice OF restoring tho paw of chap
lains 10 lis former rate, the only one which
will command the services OF clergymen, hay =
Ing families TO support wlio are competent to
perform the duties. We have not dwell upon
the subject i'll s purely religious aspect; but,
if the ministry ufe, indeed, ambassadors of
Heaven" it is scarcely consistent with the
memorable and emphatic recognition by Con
gress Of the interposition of the Divine Power
IN our behalf iii every victory and in every
event of this contest, to manifest its gratitude
by depriying His representatives of their daily
bread. We may add that in nation, one
fourth Of whose population arc professors Of
religion and an army having i'll it a
larger proportion Of religious men than any
other army i'll the world, public sentiment will
universally snotain the course Of Justice and
of policy which Ne advocate
Mn. McMAsTFRs IN FORT LAYAYFTTr.-
The telegraph announces that this independ
ent and true hearted freshman has been sent
a