The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-10-14
THE FIRST MILITARY OR CONSUMPTION
LAW,

US, there were subsequently passed several amend
ments or auxiliary laws. We present the follow
ing synopsis of the law as thus modihed' which we
are satisfied will be found correct, In the hope and
belief that it will prove useful in contributing to
general understanding of 1t;
The CONSUMPTION law places in the service of the
Confederate States for three years, unless the
sooner ends all white men between eighteen and
thirty five wears of age, resident in the Confederate
States and not legally exempt from service.
The law is silent to exemptions; but an act
defining the class of exempts has been passed,
which embraces generally those hitherto exempt,
with some additions
An twelve months men, between the prescribed
ages are continued in service for two years from
the expiration of their present term, should the
continue so long; and all those under eighteen and
over thirty five, to be retained for ninety days
after their expires, unless their places are
sooner supplied by recruits
The twelve months men, between eighteen and
tlirtv-five who are retained beyond their term of
enlistment. and who have not yet received bounty
and furloueh, shall receive both; the furloughs,
howcver, to be granted in such numbers and at
such times as the Secretary of War may deem
most compatible with the public interest; and the
men may receive in lieu of Through, the communal
ton value in money of the transportation granted
to furloughed men by the act.
The term of service of those who originally en-
listed for the war, who have since re-ensted for
that period is not affected by the law.
Men now in service not permitted TO re enlist
now belong; and all re-enstments that have been
made from one existing company to another or into
Il new company, where the re-enlistment has not
been perfected by actual transfer, is in effect can
celled
Companies battaons and regiments of twelve
months men, retained in service by the act, shall
be entitled within forty days from the date of the
act, Oh a day to be fixed by the Commander of the
Bridgade, to re-organzc by electing all their Of
icers whom they had right heretofore to elect.
SOuaGrOnS,
Organized in process of organization. Dy au-
thory from the Secretary of War. which may, with
in thirty days from the passage of the act, have the
whole number of men necessary to complete their
organization actually enrolled, not including, how
ever in that number persons in service, shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States,
and be received i'll that arm of the service in which
they authorized to organize, and elect their
Company battalion and regimental officers.
To enroll the persons contemplated by the act,
and not now in service, the President may, with the
consent of the Governors of the States employ State
officers; if such consent cannot be obtained, Con-
fedcrae officers shall be appointed by the Presl-
dent.
Persons not now in service, who shall be enrolled,
shall be assigned by the Secretary of War to the
different companies of the State from which such
persons drawn until each company is filled to
its maximum number.
Scancn ard ordinary seamcn, enrolled under the
act, may, application of the Secretary of the
Navy. be transferred to the naval service,
If, after hlnS up the companies, regiments pat
talionS and squadrons from any State, there shall
remain any of the enrolled men. the shall be
kept reserve, and at stated intervals, not
cccding three months, Details to be made by lot
shall be drawn from the reserve to keep the
panes as nearly full as practicable The persons
reserved remain home until called into service
and receive pay until actually mustered in.
They are not, while at home in reserve, subject
the rules and articles Of except that if they
wilfully refuse obey call of the President they
Sholl no HOLD a md ShpHo S1nh
Whenever the President shall think that the
exigencies of the service require it, he may call into
active service the entire reserve or so much may
be necessary, and they shall be organized under
such rules the Secretary of War may adopt, and
shall elect their field and company officers.
The reserves from each State, when thus called
out. shall be organized separately.
Every man mustered into service, who shall bring
with him muSket, shot gun rife carbine ac-
cPpted efficient weapon, shall receive the
value of it as aScerained by the mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War
may prescribe, if the be unwilling to sell.
he shall receive one dollar month for the of
such
Persons not liable to duty may be received as
substitutes, under such regulations as the Secretary
OF War may prescribe.
Vacancies shall be filled by the President from
the company, battalion, squadron or regiment in
which such vacancies occur, by promotion accord
ing to seniority, except in case of disability or
other incompetency.
The President may, however, fill vacancy by
promoting any officer of the company, battalion.
squadron. or regiment, who may have been dis
tingushed in the service by valor and skill. without
reference to seniority Vacancies in the lowest
grade of commissioned officers of Company shall
be hilcd by election or the President may promote
to such vacancy non commissioned officers or
privaes who have distinguished themselves by skill
and Vaior i'll the service. Persons NOT now in
service, may, before being enrolled, volunteer with
existing companies now III service.