Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-02-10
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RIGATs,
RICHMOND WHIG.
"WEDNESDAY MORNING, FEB. 10, 1864.
Extending the Operations of the Consoript

E4Len0AhS INC OPe eelOAS "a Wv
We learn from officers just from Lees army that
tie policy Of extending the cOnscrpt law to mel over
fory i've is entirely dsapprOved by the great mass OF
our forces il Lees command. The objection to this
pocy "a founded on the probability Of short supplies IN
de coming yesr, as result of serious diversion from
prodvc i've labor of so large class embraced be-
tween forty.6Te and City. The dscot tent Of our army
heretofore has had reference solely to the substitute
policy, which guaranteed exemption to spectators,
while the equivalent service contemplated by the iuF'
pishing Of substitute was seldom rendered. This COL
tion OF exemption tantamOunt to an unquahhed
guarantee against CONSUMPTION, otherwise than by the
payment Of the substitute bounty for, in majority Il
cases substitutes deserted while such as remained were
found gensly inefficient privilege such as the fub
stitute law afforded well calculated to excite Jea-
lousy and discOn en in the minds of the gallant men
who bore he brunt OF this conflict. The reflection that
hale and healthy men were permitted for small con-
sileration to remain at home and Amass fortunes by
speculation, could but produce that result.
THIS cause OF discomfort being nov removed, spirit
OF reconciliation pervadss the army, and looking to the
question of future supplies, they regard the policy OF
extending tie operations of the conscrpt Law beyond
the age Of foTtyfVe calculated seriously to embar-
OArass production the extent necessary for the sup
port of the army.
Some discomfort is said to exist in tie army at the
subterfuges which afford of escape from serVice
10 principals who are now liable 10 ssrviee. Men in the
ranks are heard argue against any policy which as
signs to positions of ease young men, who, by age AID
physical strength adapted 10 the duties of active
Geld service Any device furnishing effective means
~ I,t;. h. of hia
cass is h, "a 10 be practical notification OF the anti
substitute lzW and injustice to those who have been
battling against the foe for three long years. It is init
ms ted learn, that remOrstraLce will be sent to
the War partmeat sgainst the assignment OF prne-
pals fitted for active duty, to positions in local oEgaai-
zr0us, or any other duty capable Of being discharged
oy men ur6 Ted by age physical inability for active
duty We are assured that if the antsubsute law is
sctivey enforced and all suberlugss aft Jrdng prac
zeal exemption promptly removed nofurther discomfort
gl exist While ssingle Of this class is permit
ed TO remain at home aad continue his past profitable
iyocatsn to the detriment Of many of the distressed
families of those in the field, dissatisfaction will exist
Tie assignment o. men to posts involving duly ether
than their appearance long intervals what may be
termed holiday parade, without tie sacrifice Of single
business in crest will inevitably produce disoOntent-
The prospect Of such contingencies ia already tending
to do so and any serious diversion from active service
Of the material designed to be embodied in the army,
as result of the passage Of the ant-substilu.e law,
will cause widespread discomfort where reconciliation
and contentment would OherHise prevail
We are assured that in every instance where prn-
opal rendered liable to service by the late law is as
certaned to have ovaded that responsibility by connec
lion with some local organization, ary other subter
fuge, Jealousy and dissatisfaction are at once mani
tested and purpose expressed OF bringing the matter
to the attention Of the War Department through the
medium Of the representative in Congress from the
District where the evasion is permitted. Ia every
Instance where the accumulation Of money is found to
be result of exemption, particularly of fitted for
active military duty, the discomfort said amount to
md gnation. Tre contemplation of a policy which
aYors the exemption OF men who have made fortunes
by this war asd who are in all respects equally liable
and fitted for the discharge Of military duty with those
IN the field, has always led to feelings of jealous dis
content To AFFORD further means of escape from ser
vice to this class will do more according to our infO
raion, than any thing else 10 that spirit of recon
citation essential at the approach of the expiration
Of the terms Of service of the gallant veterans now in
the ied. The subsection of principals to service has
done much to alay discomfort and stimulate reeniss
reu.s If the Law on this subject is rgidy enforced,
aud eli lodges afoFdng opportunities Of escape
from duty abolished, stimulus viii be given to the
work of re-enlistment which display of the enemy,
no never formidable can thWart.
Let every principal, fitted for active field duty, be at
once assigned to his appropriate sphere, and all will be
we'll