The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-08-04
The Draft.

The Draft.
Is the CONSUMPTION to be Immediately carried
out in this city. This question is now being asked
by almost every person in this metropolis The
radical republican journals are constantly urg-
ing the administration to proceed with the
drafting without delay, and every day or two
fix the time when it will commence All their
statements thus far have. however. proved false
That the authorities at Washington intend soon
to order the wheel to commence turning in this
city is unquestionably fixed fact, and prepa-
rations are being made to that effect; but the
precise time has not been settled upon. Nu-
mereus errors and plumbers have been found
in the enrolment, and the President has sent
word to the Governor that the draft shall not
proceed until those errors are corrected. even
il a new enrolment has to be made to correct
the present blunders. To make this correction
it will take time, and the draft. when IL does
commence, will no doubt be fair The Cover
nor is at the present time engaged in gathering
and sending to Washington statistics which
prove that the present quota of New York city
is all wrong, and is endeavoring to have It rec
tiled.
As far as this State is concerned, the admins
tration, in order to have the draft evenly and
fairly adjusted. can afford to wait until It is
carried out in at least all the other Eastern
States. No other State in the Union has given
so much material support for the prosecution
of the war as New York. II was through the
prompt action Of our capitalists and bankers
that the government obtained the funds neces-
sary to carry on the war. The State of New
York is the only Middle State that has furnished
more than its quota on former calls. Several
Of the Western States have sent more than
their former quotas bat. aside from three or
four States in the West, every other State but
New York and Rhode Island il behind in its
quotas under former calls. This fact alone
should induce the administration to be patient
with this State, at least until every doubt in
regard to the unfairness OF the enrolment is
cleared up. Besides exceeding our own quotas
by several thousand, there is plenty Of evidence
in Washington that several Of the Eastern States
obtained many Of their recruits from this city.
Governor Andrew found that Massachusetts, was
behindhand, and set at work recruiting colored
regiments to make up the number required in
that State. He not only secured the Bay
State, but his agents were at all important
points in this State recruiting. The public
must well remember the statements
that appeared in the press last winter
Of the departure and the passage through this
city and Albany, en- route for Boston, Of COM
panies and parts Of companies of colored vol
unteers for Governor Andrews negro regi-
nents. Thus, while this State has more than
responded to former calls, she has also helped
some Of the New England States to respond to
the calls Of the President on them. In looking
over the list Of names Of those hired as substi.
tutes by the Boston people drafted, We notice
large number from this city Thus, in what
ever form the administration fills up it, armies.
the city and State Of New York more than
bear their part Of the burthen.
In view of all these facts, gratitude for what
the State has already done should prompt the
authorities to at least withhold the draft until
all doubts are removed in regard TO the enroll
ment being unfairly made and the quota I'M
just, which the statistics for this city clearly
and unequivocally show is the case here Not
only have men been enrolled twice, but the
number required from each Congressional dis
trict in this city is fully double, and in some
cases almost three times, what il 10 In the coun-
try Congressional districts. Congressional
districts were formed on the basis
Of q representation TO a fixed number
Of population, and intended to be As
nearly equal as possible; but the marked dis
orepancy in the quota now fxed-of two men to
be drafted In the city districts 10 one in the
country-h 80 apparent that the authorities at
Washington should look into the matter We
trust that In no event will the President depart
from his pledge 70 the Governor and permit the
dran TO 60 on until oil errsrs are corrected
The confidence Of the people that the draft is
fair and correct will do much 70 aid It's enforce
mont