Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-07-08
The New Enrolment Law.

We notice that our delegation in Con-
gress did not vote for the new Enrolment
Law. Doubtless they had good reasons.
although we do not know what they were
The law seems to have been passed at
the urgent solicitations of the President.
Secretary Stanton and the Provost Marsh
al General. 1t differs from the old, (last
winters law in the length of service re-
quired. in the money communication, and
in bounties. The old law provides for
drafting for three Years, the new one for
one year only.
The old law provides that in case of a
draft a person drafted could pay $500, and
be exempt for that draft. In case the
quota of men was not had the first time,
a new draft was to be had. and then anoth-
er, and another until men We're obtained.
OF course this was a game i'll which the
rich states and the rich men were sure to
win. New England, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island and Connecticut would fur
nish the money and the 9th three states
York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with
the three rich New England states, would
come off with loss of money, while the
poorer western states would soou be rid of
money under the eyactions of the Provost
Marshals wheel, which III the end would
have to be satisfied with men, As it
would ordinarily take some sixty days to
complete draft. the rich man would keep
the Provost Marchal of by stated con-
tribution af money which would not i'll
terfere with his comfort, while the poor
man would be exhausted at the first or
second call; and after paving all the mon
ey he could scrape together would at last
be obliged to go himself leaving his family
stripped of means of support
The workings of the old law were found
to be entirely unsatisfactory. All the dis
turhance annoyance and bloodshcd of last
years draft produced less than thirty thou
sand men. A new draft in rich state
like Massachusetts would not produce a
hundred men if they could he exempted
by paving $500. In fact, in that state last
year it did produce less than thousand
men.
The new law makes no difference between
rich and poor. There is no money about
it. The Government wants men and not
money. Money will not fight Lees army,
but few more men now will finish up this
job which General Grant has got 80 far
and so we'll advanced
The new law also differs from the old
in providing bounties of 500. for one
years men, $500, for two years, and $500,
for three years men.
We notice that men of means in all
parts of the country who are exempt by
age or physical infrmity are furnishing
substitutes. This should be universal and
thus the burden be lghtcned.
of course coppcrheads will clamor at the
change i'll the law. Last year they talked
themselves hoarse over the $500 clause,
and the insidious distinction thereby made
between the rich and the poor. Now they
will he equally Jealous against the Gov
eminent because of its repeal. They said
they were ready to fight the law then be-
cause the $500 clause was In, now they
will be equally ready to abuse all loyal men
because il is out.
Maine has special advantage over
many OF the other states IN the fact that
by the new law che is to be credited Tor
the sailors she has already furnished to
the Navy; and hereafter sailor in the
Navy counts one on the quota. The shole
towns especially will be relieved by this