Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1863-11-27
THE TRUE POLICY.

We consider all discussion about what
Congress ought to have done, what the Pre-
sident ought to have done, or what our Le-
cislature ought to have done, to make it
easy work to fill up the Vermont quota OF
volunteers, entirely foreign to the real bust
ness in hand. We have no doubt each of
them did what they believed would be for
the best, and for aught that any body knows
what was actually for the best. Our busi-
ness is to look up our own line of duty, I'M
der the circumstances as they are.
The Government needs the men called for to
fill uptheregiments now in the field and TO take
the places of the men whose time of service,
according to their enlistment, will be out
next summer No man who is not at heart
disloval wishes to have the government tail
of getting the whole number required, or OF
getting them promptly. No one doubts that
it will save time, money and men to the
country to have the troops furnished before
Jan. 5th D.; and no one we presume doubts
that the men can be got, if the entire conmu-
nitv does its duty. What is that duty? We
answer for those who are able bodied and
Of military age, and more especially such OF
them as have not taken their turn in the
service, it is their duty to be willing to 60
unless some imperious duty forbids ; and for
all else old or young, to do their part to en-
courage them. Whoever there may be who
is determined not to 90 if he can help it,
simply because he cares for his own ease or
is afraid of discomfort or danger in the mill
tary service of his country, does not deserve
to enjoy the privileges Of an American citi-
zen. We trust there are not many such in
this town, or, comparatively speaking, in
the State of Vermont. But granting that all
are ready to volunteer, So far as their own
feelings are concerned, there will be obstacles
in the way for many and in different degrees.
To overcome these obstacles, there comes in,
and properly enough too, the consideration
Of pay and bounties, remuneration present
and perspective to make up for personal risk
and loss Of time, whatever those may be. and
for the support Of families Left behind. These
considerations have TO be taken into account
when men are called upon for any civil ser
vice by sea or land, and it is equally right
that they be taken into account where mill
tary service is wanted. Were a powerful in
yading enemy at our doors, 50 that every able
man was wanted. the case would be different.
Love of country and home and the necessities
of the case, would place all on an equality
for the time being; and none could say
give me an extra price OF leave the work
and the risk 10 others" But we have no
such case now Comparatively few of the
whole are needed, and it is right that those
who 20 should be paid fairly by those who
stay at home. The State of Vermont from
the first has paid SS4 a year - So for
three vears-to each of her volunteers in ad-
dition to L ) pay. No other State has done
so well. That extra payis continued with a
privilege of Communication if desired by the
recruit. Our Legislature at Its last session,
also enacted law allowing towns to vote
such additional pay as they might Judge
proper. Heretofore there has been no law
ful authority for them to do 50. Individuals
IN this and other to Sns have paid volunteers
bounties according to circumstances. 1t Is
now proper that the Towns should take the
matter in hand. Many towns in the State
have already done it. A Town meeting is
called in Burlington to act on the subject.
We cannot doubt for moment that its &C
ton will be of favorable character. Such
we believe is the patriotic and generous
course to be taken. Moreover, if 1t needs TO
be said, we say the interest of our people re-
quires it