Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-11-06
For the Journal.
Communication and Draft.

As | was one Of the men who went to Bur
liugton at government expense, was critically
examined and granted furlough Of ten days,
with orders to report in person or pay $500,
| have Of course been interested in the fact
that the matter was before the Legislature,
and the subject was under consideration, to
pay the drafted men who reported iD person
the bounty Of $500 that the volunteer re.
celved, and to pay the $500 again to the
drafted man who counted upon the quota Of
the town and State because he paid that
amount | have not heretofore made public
my interest in the matter but in the daily
Free Press Of Oct. 10, in column or two Of
the overflow of reporters absorptions, this
claim was characterized as senseless and un.
just" 1t seems to me in bad taste for re-
porter to apply these words to a subject that
several hundred men desire tho Legislature
to consider. But let that pass.
Drafting was not the usual way drafting
was not the popular way drafting was not
the successful way ofrecruiting the army. 1t
was an exceptional and experimental effort
and therefore those who went into the army
under the draft deserve to have their inter-
ests considered in an especial manner. If
their service was as good and as timely in the
field, or if the conscript who paid was as
faithful and loyal citizen at home as any
others, then it is not unjust and not seaseless
to consider that the drafted man did the
duties in the field, without extra pay and
bounties, while he nad less chances for pro-
motion. And the taxes were as heavy upon
him who paid the $500 and stayed at home
as upon him who was a year too old TO be
drawn in the draft Then the subject is not
unjust" and senseless, we should judge
LIST, because other States have considered it,
and paid back the $500 to the conscript,. OF
paid him a bounty for going, as in Rhode
Island, where the towns paid the men and the
State paid the towns without unnecessary
delay; 2nd, towns in Vermont, in some cases
paid bounties to drafted men, or part Of the
communication money, and do not regret it
having a desire to make up their quot'
promptly and justly; 30, good, sensible ind
viduals God bless them-helped the con
script pay the money in some cases. Now
are all these States, towns and citizens un
Just" and senseless" for considering in tina
time ofgreat burdens and taxes, what severa
hundreds land we might say truly, severa
thousands) Of Vermont citizens desire hel
Legislature to consider in these days Of quiet
ness aud penty2
The amount that will be required to pay
the Communication money aud proper bounty
to the drafted soldier who served his country
may be made to appear very formidable *
the cost Of dinner to all the citizens Of Yer
mont is a large sum; but they are very jus
and sensible to prepare and enjoy it. TIT
3 spirit that prevailed in those perilous time
made it seem a point Of honor to fill tn
E quota Of the town, and town meetings in
structed selectmen to pay sums double o
treble the amount paid by the conscript, an'
men fed their country, feigned disease, de
formty aud insanity to avoid this that tn
conscript met and bore, and which the Ere
Press reporter now terms "unjust" an,
senseless" to consider The ouly time tn
E sheriff visited my premises with a writ am
: attached my cattle was on account Of tn
debt incurred by borrowing money to pay
} the communication. The stock was sold, tn
, money paid, and we shall all live through it
OF the two drafted men who went from thi
! town, one was shot and killed; the other wa
sick and frozen IN an ambulance aud died
= Yet it may be very unjust and " senseless
4 for the Legislature to pay any attention :
D the petitions sent TO them signed by thos
+ who remember the past H. Il. JAMESON.
Irasburgh, Vt.