Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-02-27
WEDNESDAY, Feb. IS.
The Militia Bin.

This important bill passed the Senate with
ou: a division, even the sympathizers with
secession not venturng to record a vote
against it. This fact is very significant, as
an admission that the bill is not only neces-
sary for the safety of the country, but proper
in all its details. 1t is matter OF so much
Importance to the country, and so much inter-
est TO the people, as to justify statement OF
the details of the bill as follows:
The preamble Of The bill deelar that an nsurrecon
and rebellion exists in the United States; that II is the
guarantee TO each State Republican form Of Govern
men 10 preserve the public tranquility and that TO this
ends military force 'indsPcnsable
All able bodied male citizens Of the United States be-
tween the ages Of twenty and forty five, enrolled,
aud constitute the national forces. Persons OF foreign
birth who have declared their intention TO become e
Hens Of the United states are also included
The persons exempted from the enrolment fol-
lows Those who arc ply scaly and mentally unfit for
service the Vice President Of the United States and the
Judges Of the Courts of the United States the heads
Of the various Departments Of the Government. and the
Governors OF the several States the only sou aged
and iufrm parents dependent upon his labor for their
support " there be two the father In
the Of his death the mother may elect which shall
bs exempt the only brother Of children over twelve
years old, whose parents dead all families having
two members in the military vice Of the United States
commissioned officers, musicians, or privAtes the
residue such family, exceeding two shall be
empt Persons convicted Of felony are also exempted
The National forces divided into two classes The
hfst comprises all persons subject TO do military duty
between the ages Of twenty and thirty five all unmAr
red persons above the age Of thirty five and under the
age OF forty five.
The second class comprises all other persons liable to
do military duty and is provided that these shall not
be called the service until the first class has been
called.
The bill divides the United States into districts the
District Of Columbia constitutes each Territory Of
the United States constitutes OF more the Pres
ident shall direct and each congressional district oonst
tutes one II provides for each district provost marsh
al with the rank, pay, and emOuments Of captain Of
cavalry who shall he under the direction and subject to
the orders Of provost marshal general The chiefs Of
hoe shall be at the seat Of Government forming sepa-
rare bureau Of the War Department
the United States,
These marshAls charged with the following duties
They are to search for and all deserters The
chief IL TO communicate 10 hs subotdnAtes all orders
the President for calling out the national forces to fur
nish blanks and instructions for drafting 10 keep copies
OF all enrolment lists, and TO perform all other duties
prescribed by the President
All deserteis to be arrested wherever found and
me suboIdnates report 10 their chief all reasona
ole practices that come to their knowledge seize all
spies Of the enemy board Of enrolment is TO be es
tAolshed In each district, Of whom is To be sur.
geon.
The duties Of this board are prescribed as foowsi
surgeons charged with the duty OF such inspection shall
nov receive nom any person money other yauahles
ne shAi not make false incorrect report II he doe
50" he shall he ued hy court martial and. on conyio