No assertion could more glaringly display the
author's ignorance and lack of judgment.
The law, as originally drawn, required the service of the man drafted or
an acceptable substitute within ten days. Had 'the $300 clause' not been
inserted, the competition for substitutes would have been so great that
their price would have risen far beyond the ability of men in moderate
circumstances to pay, and many would have been forced into service who
thus have an opportunity for exempting themselves. It has kept the price
of substitutes at a low figure, and thus has proven itself emphatically
the poor man's provision.
Nor is the law harsh toward those who may be drafted. Abundant time is
given for the settlement of any pressing business, the proper
disposition of family affairs, or the procuring of a substitute. It is
mild toward the infirm and afflicted, making ample provision for the
exemption of those who, from any cause, are unfit for service.
It assures to drafted men the same pay, bounty, clothing, and equipments
as volunteers receive, and in all respects puts them on the same
footing. It thus removes the unjust distinction wont to be made between
the drafted man and volunteer, looking upon each as a true soldier of
his country, equally interested in its honor and perpetuity. And in
order that justice may be secured to the citizen as well as to the
Government, the entire business of the enrolment and draft is under the
supervision of a board of three men, generally residents of the
district.
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