The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-03-25
Onr Nataenal Forces.

Il IS estimated in the Census Office at
Washington, that the number of males in the
loyal States between the ages of 20 and 45,
WIFI number some three and half millions,
and that of these two and half millions
will be fit for duty. These are all to be en-
rolled under the Coascription Act and will
constitute the National forces. What an ar
my! With such a reserve from which to
draw supplies of men, We may bid defiance
not only to the utmost desperation of the re,.
beilion, but to the corrupt, intriguing French
Emperor, or any other foreign power that may
essay to intermeddle with our affairs
A statement that the Government has de-
cided to call out six or eight hundred thou
sand new troops, is going the rounds of the
papers. It is untrue The Government has
not yet come to any conclusion upon that
point. The President who of course will
finally decide so important question as that,
has, by no means, come to the conclusion that
it is wise to raise new army of two-thirds
of a million of men. Some of the best Cen
j erals in the service assert, that while we need
enough men to make up the losses by disease
and discharges, the great want of the country
| is the wise management of the army already
in the field. a draft of two hundred thou
sand would keep the present army up all
summer; and if it is fought with any ability
at all, the rebellion can be subdued long be-
fore next autumn. However this may be, it
| is not true that the Government has decided
to call out six or eight hundred thousand men,
and the statement is calculated to cause alarm
without accomplishing any good purpose.
/ The people should submit TO the enroll
Ement in good temper, and with patience
The Republic must be preserved in its integ-
rity, and the late Congress voted men and
money enough to the Government to preserve
lit. A few decisive victories now, such as we
may soon hope to chronicle in behalf of the
Federal arms, will make additional drafts for
men comparatively small. Be that as it may,
we must stand by the Government, be the
war protracted 8 months, 8 years, or 80. IF
the Copperheads resist the draft, as some
threaten to do, the loyalists will !" head them
or die" The Provost Marshals will be cloth
ed with sufficient power and authority to
overcome all resistance or opposition. Better
submit quietly to the inexorable necessity
that is upon us-the necessity of sustaining
the Government against all assaults from
within or without.
The conscription act gives drafted men the
privilege of hiring substitutes, or of paying
to the Government $500 in lieu of personal
service. II, therefore, 100000 troops should
be called in April or May into the field, it
would give the Government fund of thirty
millions which it could use in bounties, for
the purpose of inducing the old soldiers,
whose term of service is about to expire, to
re-enlist. The Secretary of War can offer
each soldier the sum of $780, cash paid at
once, and it is believed that such an offer will
retain the majority of the troops who viii be
entitled to leave in the summer months. 1t
is also expected that under certain provisions
of the Militia bill at least $4,000 deserters
will voluntarily or involuntarily return to the
| army.