The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1866-01-04

tanned on the rolls, leaving clear margin
always in favor of the Government.
In examination of substitutes and vol
unteers, we had more trouble with boys
not more than IA or 15 years Of age, than
any class of men.
They were frequently brought from a
distaD Dce-always claiming to be Is years
of age. They were so well drilled by the
brokers having them in charge, that they
would force very full inspiration, strut
, about erect as old soldiers, and go through
every process of examination with as
much activity as a set of lofty tumblers
They were taught before coming here that
In this case there was 10 wrong in pre-
tending to be several years older than they
really were. We rejected many boys who
were over the minimum standard, because
they were undevelopcd in bone and mus
Gle, and evidently not over Is years old.
No reliance could be placed on the word
Of themselves or those in charge of them
as to their age. They presented every
variety, from the stripping boy of IA, to
that of full developed puberty
Again, ole men over so years of age,
came with hair eyed, and in some cases
artificial teeth inserted, claiming to be
aliens and under 45 years of age. These
frauds were so easily detected, that | be-
lieve we were not in any instance imposed
on by this class.
have no suggestions to offer in addi-
tion to what have already been limited at,
to avoid or overcome these difficulties in
future, except such resources as the skill
tul and vigilant surgeon will readily call
to his aid as the exigency may occur.
OF the men examined, the number of
Pennsylvanians largely preponderated
over, all others combined, and in my
opinion, they presented the greatest phvsi-
cal aptitude for military service A very
large proportion of Pennsylvanians fur
nished by this district certainly cannot
be excelled in symmetry of form, physical
endurance and intellectual development
by any equal number selected from any
nationality. This is accounted for by the
habits of industry, sobriety and frugality.
with the fostering care of our common
schools, for which Pennsylvania in gene
raj, and this district in particular, is pro-
verbal.
This being essentially rural district,
the inhabitants are, to great extent, free
from the prostituting and demoralizing
vices incident to those of densely crowded
cities or districts.
The colored race in the estimation of
this Board rank high as soldiers. The
men examined and sent from this Office
were with rare exceptions of the first class
ii point of size, muscular development
good form and sound constitutions. They
moreover manifested an eagerness TO enter,
the service. My experience has led me
to differ from high medical authority, in
asmuch as that l havo found tubercular
disease less frequently developed in this
class than in the same proportion of
whites.
There is one feature in the character
of the colored man greatly in his favor
as a soldier; L mean the facility with
! which he can accommodate himself to
army life. The transition from his mode
of living in cabin or log house of inferior
quality, to the army tent, is by no means
so great as that of the merchant, the far
mer and the mechanic, or large proper
tion of the laboriug men who have houses
and home luxuries not enjoyed generally
by the colored man, consequently the
change to army life does not so seriously
affect him.
With one or two exceptions, cannot
imagine that the present enrolment law
requires any amendment.
L would, however, suggest that the en-
rollment law DE so amended, that all or
dalned ministers of the gospel, who have |
charge, be exempt. The present law, |
requiring ministers of the gospel to bear |
arms, is certainly retrograde step in any
government founded on the principles of |
civilization. As class, we find preachers |
physically unfit for military duty to greater !
extent than an equal number Of men in |
any other calling.
With much Difference, l would respect |
fully suggest the Importance of obtaining
the first class of medical talent in the |
country as surgeon of the Board Of En-
rotlment is so obvious, that no argument |
is required to establish this fact. 1t is |
equally clear, that the salary of surgeons
In this capacity was, during the war, by |
no means an equivalent for the responsi- |
bility, labor, and IN some respects, disa-
greeable duties connected with the Office.
A respectable physician in full practice
can under ordinary circumstances, collect
rs the proceeds of his practice double and
often treble the amount prescribed by laws
as compeusations of surgeons of Boards,
and then have the advantage of enjoying
the comforts of home. The inference is
therefore clear that a physician who from
necessity or choice is anxious 10 secure a
for himself and family in de-
clining years by his professional Iabors,
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