Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-10-16

mands." In the event the militia are
called out upon the happening of any o.
the contingencies named in the act, ther
provision is made for the proper drafting
the system Of substituting, the mode o
organization, and such other measures al
are necessary TO render the military
power Of the State, efficient and service
able.
For all immediate practical purposes
therefore, beyond a simple enrolment
the law is wholly without value, an|
really affords to the State no protection
nor present available means of defence
In pursuance of the act, the proper
instructions, forms, blanks, &c, were
prepared and distributed to the selectmer
of the several towns, and the militia o
the State were duly enrolled in the month
of January last. Medical boards were
appointed, furnished with the necessary
instructions, and held sessions in the diff
ferent counties, for the purpose of ex-
aiming and exempling such as were
not liable to do military duty. Commits
sioners were also appointed to enroll the
militia in the Cores and unorganized
Towns in the State,
The result of the enrolment was as
follows:
Number enrolled, 47,I83
Exempt by medical
board, 1884
In q. S. service, l2,G87-l7,071
Total number liable TO draft, 30,112
OF this number there are known to be
many who are wholly unfit for military
service, being VIGOROUSLY disabled, and
who from that fact refused or neglected
to attend before the medical board for
examination, and pay the fec prescribed
by The act, because they felt certain of
being exempted, if drafted. As a result
Of this, the quota of the State is largely
increased, and additional burdens are i'm
posed upon those liable to draft, and in
justice is thereby done to the State.
l would call your especial attention to
this subject, and would recommend that
the law be modified SO as to guard against
such a result III the future. The best
mode of remedying the evil is left to
your judgment. Whether it would be
better to abolish altogether the fee re-
quired to be paid to the board by the ap-
pIicant for exemption, or whether it
would be sufficient to authorize the board
to refund, to every person who receives
a certificate Of exemption, the fee ad-
vanced by him, are questions for your
Additional provision
should also be made for ascertaining aud
enrolling with more care the men who
are in the service of the United States,
and their exemption for that cause should
he properly shown upon the enrolment
list.
In the present disturbed state of af-
frirs, both as regards the civil strife
which is raging in our country, as also
the critical position of the relations Of
this country with foreign nations, it be-
comes a question of serious moment for
you, gentlemen, to consider whether q
more efficient and active militia system is
not now required in the State. The &C.
i've preparations which are being made
a a neighboring province for complete,
borough, and efficient organization of
heir militia, should properly lead US to
inquire into the state of our own dclen-
ses, and the condition in which we as
State would be left, in the event Of dis !
of the amicable relations, for
he present subsisting, between this gov
eminent and foreign powers. invite
your thoughtful attention to the subject,
confident that you will bestow upon it
hat deliberate consideration which its
Importance justly demands.
ruE SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS IN
HOSPITAL.
The communication from my prede>
lessor, already laid before you gives the
ull particulars on this subject, 1t ap-
pears that over twenty-five hundred sick .
and wounded Vermont soldiers, in more
han one hundred general hospitals, in
he different states, have been visited,
and over one thousand have been trans
erred to the hospitals in Vermont. The
change of air and treatment thus secured,
las not only been Of immense value to
he poor soldier, but has contributed
anger per cent. of cured, and returned
o duty, than from any other general hos
)itals known.
The system is of great value, and no
fort of mine shall be wanting to give it
III the efficacy the nature Of the case will