The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-07-29
NEW MILITARY OR THE CoNScRIPTIoN
LAW.

LAW.
TO this law of Congress as at first published by
ID. there were subsequently, passed several amend
rents or auxiliary laws. We present the follow
inr svnopsjs of the law thus modified, which we
are satisfied will be found correct, in the hope and
belief that it will prove useful in contributing to IA
general understanding of it:
The CONSUMPTION law places in the service of the
Confederate States, for three years, unless the war
sooner ends all white between eighteen and
five years Of age, resident in the Confederate
state, and not legally exempt from service.
The law i silent as TO exemptions; but an act
defining the class of exempts has been passed,
which embraces generally those hitherto exempt,
with some additions
All twelve months men, between the prescribed
aces are continued in service for two years from
the expiration of their present term, should the war
continue long; and all those under eighteen and
over thirty five, to be retained for ninety days
after their term expires, unless their places are
sooner supplied by recruits.
The twelve months men. between eighteen and
tlirtv-fyc who are retained beyond their term of
enlistment. and who have not yet received bounty
and fIrpu-h, shall receive both; the furloughs,
however, to be granted III such numbers and at
such times as the Secretary Of War may deem
most compatible with the public interest; and the
men may receive i'll lieu of furlough, the communal
ton value in money of the transportation granted
to furloughed men by the act.
The term of service of those VIII" originally en-
listed for the war, who have since re-enlsted for
that period, is not affected by the law.
Men now in service not permitted to re enlist
in other organizations than those to which they
now belong; and all re-enlisments that have been
made from existing company t" another. or into
Il new company, where the eenliStment has not
been perfected by actual transfer, is in effect
crcd.
Companies, battaIions and regiments of twelve
months men, retained in service by the act, shall
be entitled, within forty days from the date of the
act. on day to be fixed by the Commander Of the
d.; 40 ole :tJ tIpIr Df-
fcers whom they had right heretofore to elect.
Companies battaons, squadrons. or re- iinemts
. organized, or III process OF organization, by aH-
thOrity from the Secretary OF ar, which may, with
il thirty days from the passage of the act lave the
whole number of men necessary +" complete their
organization actually enrolled, not including, how
in that number persons now III service shall be
mustered into the service of the Confederate States
and be received in that OF the service III which
they were authorized to organize, and elect their
company, battalion and rcgimcmtal 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
fcdcratc officers shall be appointed by the PreSi-
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 are drawn; until each company IS filled to
its maximum number.
Scumen and ordinary scamcn, enrolled unde: the
ACT, may, on 0pplcHtlun OF me secretary OF the
Navy, be transferred to the naval service,
If. after filling up the companies, regiments, bat
taliouS ana sqUudTous from any State, there shall
remain any of the enrolled men, the excess shall be
kept reserve, and at stated intervals, not eX
crpding three months, details to be made by lot,
shall be drawn from the reserve to keep the COM
panrS as nearly full Is practicable. The persons
reserved remain at home until called into service
and receive pay until actually mastered in.
| They not, while at home in reserve, subject
IN tl,p rul. au1a Of at thty
wfuy refuse to obey call Of the President they
shall be held dcsertorS, and punished such.
Whenever the President shall think that :he
exgcncicS Of the service require it, he may call into
active service the entire reserve. much
! 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 Il muskct, shot gun, rifle carbne
cePted efficient weapon, shall receive the
| value OF it ascertancd by the mastering officer
under such regulations the Secretary of War
may prcScribe or if the owner he unwilling to sell
he shall receive dollar month for the use of
such
Persons not liable to daty may be received rs
substitutes, under such regulations the Secretary
! of War may prescribe.
| Vacancies Shall be filled by the President from
the company, battalion, squadron regiment in
which such vacancies occur by promotion accord
ing to seniority, except in of disability
! other incOmpetency.
| The President may, however. fill n vacancy by
promoting any officer of the company, battalion
! squadron or regiment, who may have been dis
tinguished in the service by vaor and skill without
reference to seniority. Vacancies in the lowest
! grade of commissioned officers of Company shall
be filled by election the President may promote
! to such vacancy nOn-commissiOned officers or
! prvatcs. who have distinguished themselves by skill
and vQlor in the service. Persons in
service, may, before being enrolled, volunteer with
| existing companies i'll service.