Thus, by the
calamities of war, a father and several sons may have been killed or
rendered helpless for life, yet if there remains a son liable to draft
in the same family, he cannot be exempted unless his mother depends on
him for her support. It must be admitted that the parent or parents who
have had two sons _killed_ in their country's service, have made quite
as great a sacrifice as those who have two sons still engaged in that
service. And if the question of support is involved, it is reasonable to
suppose that two sons in the army would do quite as much for needy
parents as two sons in the grave.
These are some of the inconsistencies of the law, as it has been
interpreted by authority. Other cases also may arise that seem to demand
an exempting clause equally with those in the act. Of such are the
following:
First, the husband and father of a family depending upon his labor for
their support.
Second, the only support of an aged or infirm spinster or bachelor.
It is not unusual for persons of this class to adopt the son of a
relative or stranger. And when the infirmities of age render such
persons unfit for toil, the youth whom they brought up, and who is now
by his labor repaying their early attentions to him, should, not be
taken away.
Third, the only support of helpless children, having neither parents nor
grown brothers.
Orphans are often thrown upon the charity of a relative, and it seems
right that their support should not be taken from them.
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