Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-01-04
FROM WASHING GOV.
Proposed Amendments To the Con-
scriptfon Hill and their Probabf
Fate-Gross Iniustice Of the Presenf
Campaign.
Especial Correspondence Of the Chicago lines. /


One of the most curious features ia the pro
ceedlngs OF Congress thus far is that which re
lates to the manner in which the members, OF diff
ferent parties, treat the conscripfon act. The
conservative members would desire TO repeal the
act altogether, as unwise. unjust aud wholly un-
necessary. But that at present is out of the
question. The radical members are endeavoring
to graft upon il several amendments, which. IL
passed. woult lend 10 make it still more odious
and oppressive than il is; and they are en-
deayoring, too, to force these amendments
through instanter. The majority of the mem
bers of the House, however, seem disposed to
obtain all the light they can upon the practical
working OF the act, aud to amend il in such
manner will make il as little oppressive as pos
sbe. The notorious Schenck has commenced
bis Congressional career at this session by an at
tempt TO force upon the bill an amendment that
would make it thousand times more oppressive
than il is now, namely, to abolish the two classes
OF those enrolled, and TO throw both into one
class. His persistent attempt to force this ex-
ceedingly unjust measure attracted to him some
| remarks more emphatic than complimentary. and
the proposal was promptly voted down. Ii is
stated, however that Schenck acted in this affair
in accordance with the wishes OF the administra-
ton, and thar the whole power of the latter will
be exerted to procure the passage of Schenck's
amendment at an early day. 1t seems, to Judge
exemption clause will be retained, bot the
amount will probably be raised to $500; and in
that case it will be distinctly stated that the pay
ment oil that amount secures exemption for three
years.
An amendment will be proposed in day or
two, changing somewhat he composition of the
two classes of enrolled men, so as to make them
correspond with the French system, which is, con-
fessedly, the INST just and the least oppressive
/ a. com infia i'm hat
be called more just which at the best is bad as
Shakespeare stys of murder.I In accordance
with this amendment the first class will comprise
all unmarried men and widowers without children,
between the age OF twenty and forty five years;
and married men, aud widowers with children,
between the same ages, will constitute the second
class. The first class Is to be exhausted before
the second class Is calel upon. The Justice Of
this amendment l. obvious at once. The expert
ence of every member Of Congress has brought
to bis notice during the last few months, the
cases of many unfortunate men, who, merely be-
cause they were between the ages of twenty and
thirty-hve, were drafted, and were compelled TO
| enter the army because they we're too poor to
raise the $500. These men were married and
had families. | know of several instances N.Y.
self, and have heard OF great many more.
These unfortunate mel were from 80 TO 80 years
Of age. Tfei wives were young women of from
health. AS long their husbands re
mained with them they were spared the
necessity of labor beyond their strength and
were enabled to provide the necessary comforts
for their families. They had, some one, some
two. and some three children eac none of the
children over seven years of age, Udt all healthy
and strong. Now mark the result OF the opera
ton of one single lecture of the couseripion act
as il is. OF the families OF this kind coming uu-
der my own observations. one man only was able
to raise the requisite $500. and So got exempt.
But this debt OF S30O hanging over him keeps
him. and will keep him and his "a miy all this
winter, in a state of great desttution and suffer
! ing. Yet his is happy compared 70 the
others. The wife OF another poor man who had
to 60 and leave her endearored heroicaly to'labor
for the support Of her little family. But the la
Dor was beyond her strength and she fell sick and
died. leaving three orphan children. without a
relative in the world. What will become of them
i The wife of another man, who has been thus
forced into the army, was already in delicate
health, and needed all her husbands care. She
| is now on her death bed. and will die in n few
days, leaving aninfant to the cold charity of the
world. The wife of another conscript has be-
come deranged ia consequence of the loss OF her
husband and companion, and Is the inmate
OF a lunstic asylum, while her two children, both
beautiful little girls, are in the roor-house. I
mention these cases. because they are not isolated
instances but are the types OF hundreds Of fotlers
OF the same kind. It Is IN order TO avert suffer
ing and injustice of this kind that the amendment
last allnded to will be introduced =,
The statement in my last letter, IN regard to
the movements OF Gen. Long are con-
frmed by the facts <hcli came TO light yes
terday. and which arc tardily published this morn
ing. e 50 fit -
There is a rumor prevalent here to the effect
that the Cohfederates are preparing for grand
assault on Washington and an ihvasiop of the
North, to take place next spring Quite mum
ber Of gentlemen have arrived here from Rich
mond recently. and from them and IRON other
and even better sources of information, am in
say that no such design is entertained st Rich
mond at present. but that such an expedition NAV
be undertaken in the spring in the event Of q
certain contingency; that is. if the Army Of the
Potomac either remains where IL is now, or occu.
, pies any other position between Washington and
the Rapidan River. or undertakes another over
land campaign to Richmond. In either one ol
these cases. Il Is pretty certain That We may look
out about next MAY for an attack on the carsta
, or an invasion of the No1h On the other hand
. ii the Cepiederates ascertain that a PENINSULA
81 campaign is to be undertaken. or that Richmond
is TO be attacked from the direction Of Petersburg
no attack on Washington aud no invasion of the
! North need be feared, because In that case tbs
Confederates. win have ali they can do to defend
Richmond. ii the Administration really wishes
{ TO end the war, that would be the way TO do IL
9 The best way to defend " ashingtob, indeed ths
! only way 10 which Washington can be pefectl,
secure. Is by attacking Richmond either from tbs
1 east or from the SOUTH Richmond could be taker
Il by such an sxpedition. properly organized anf
' Ia "A - s.~s< U<>l<,<,..d efalfz cha axIo<for