The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1863-05-23
from Friends Review
EXEMPTION OF FRIENDS PROM
MILITARY SERVICE.
BAlr1MoRE, March I'd, 1868.


Ny DEAR SIR: When in Washington, last
week, listened with much interest to the
debates in Congress upon the Conscript bill,
then pending; I have also seen in the news
papers come notices of memorials from the
religious society ofs'FTiends,' - asking that
their peculiar conscientious scruples upon
the subject of war might still be recognized
by the present Congress, as they have been
for some years past by the General as we'll as
the different State Governments.
Whilst am fully aware of the patriotic
motives of the authors of this bill. as we'll
as Its supporters, and the extreme difficulty
of making any important law which will not
bear heavily upon individuals, can readily
see that they are not familiar with the doe
trines of this highly respectable religious
society, nor the effect which the enforce
ment of this bill (if passed in its present
form would have upon the great cause for
which our nation is now struggling.
Something over two hundred years ago,
the Society of Friends" or "Quakers,"
embraced and advocated the principles of
peace, as among the doctrines promulgated
by the Saviour when personally upon earth
At that time the English Government al
lowed them to be subjected to severesta pos
sible prosecutions and torture, all of which
they bore with the most quiet Christian
resignation. When disinterested persons saw.
innocent men and women imprisoned,
tortured and even put to death for their re-
ligious professions, they began to inquire
into the cause, which had the effect to add
to the members of these peculiar people.
During the early settlement of this country,
many of this society came here with the
expectation of having the privilege of wor-
shipping God according to their own con,
victions In quiet, peaceable manner. But
they were eadly disappointed. These men
of peace and good will to all were treated
more barbarously By the Puritans than they
had been before they left England. The
Colonies of Virginia and New England made
their settlements among the natives by force
of arms. William Penn planted his colony
among the savages upon the principle of
peace. And lis early history is far more
beautiful and satisfactory than either of the
others. It forms one of the brightest eras
in the history of the settlement of America,
and carries with it its own commentary.
The world has learned to respect men of true
conscientious scruples.
Even within thirty five years have seen
respectable members of the Society of Friend
imprisoned for not doing military duty; their
property taken from them to pay military fines
which. if they had voluntarily paid. would
. have been acknowledging their principles in
fault. Wise statesmen have seen that the
first amendment to the Constitution Of the
United States was right, in guaranteeing
religious liberty to all.''
Now let me tell you the effect of enforc
ing this Conscript law against the Quakers
1t will help the enemies of our common
country more than any other act that this
Government can possibly devise.
Whenever faithful member of this Soci
ciety is drafted. he will quietly submit him
self to any torture that the Government
officers may subject him to; even death it
self will be met with calm resignation, and
perhaps the last words from the lips of the
dying man would be, "Lord, forgive them
r for they know not what they do"
Q The numerous enemies of our country
! and particularly of the Administration
i would set up such cry of persecution, as
Il would be heard from one end of the country
to the other.
1t is quite impossible for any consisten
member of the Society OF Friends to tax,
5 up arms, or pay fine for not doing it, ant
e adhere to his religious principles, which t.
: die for he would consider his ''eterna
T gain"
n No one can say that there is any want o
d love Of country among the Quakers, for the
; always have been most loyal. But it i
!. simply on account of their, life long Chris
faith, their fear of God Instead of man
which prevents their shedding human bloo'
in defense of their country's rights.
A more philanthropic, liberal and public
S spirited people cannot be found, as will wit
ness their large contributions to public char
Y tiles of all kinds, in every part of the couu
try where they are to be found. Hospitals
asJ lums, in6rm&ries and public schools
have ever found their largest supporter
> among the Friends. l do not say this t
n the disparagement of the many others VII
y have done nobly for same objects.
If the spirit of war were permitted t
control their actions, some thousands c
their members might now be in the tente
N field. arrayed with the implements of wal
eager for the deadly combat There al
between three and four thousand member
of this society in the States of Virgins
"a North Carolina, and Tennessee, who hav
suffered greatly during this war. on aceouz
of their religious sentiments. Not man {
IT their number can ever be compelled to fgl
in under the Southern Confederacy against til
e. Union.
;" It is notorious fact. that thousands =,
Quakers have emigrated in years past. fror
ir- the Southern to the Northwestern State
o., on account of prosecutions against them f
IS their religious and anti-slayery principles.
Is the present time there are thirty six tho'
IN sand members of the Indiana Yearly Nee
ing of Friends This yearly Meeting