The amendment was lost, having only 6 yeas against 32 nays.
EXEMPTION OF CLERGYMEN FROM MILITARY CONSCRIPTION.
Remarks on the Conscription Law, February 16, 1863.
The Senate having under consideration the bill for enrolling and calling out the national forces, Mr. Sumner moved as an amendment that clergymen or ministers of the Gospel be exempted from conscription. Then ensued brief comments.
Mr. Pomeroy. They will fight.
Mr. McDougall. I will ask the Senator from Massachusetts to modify his proposition so as not to include the Methodist clergy, because they are a fighting clergy.
Mr. Howard. I think the loyal clergy are among the most fighting portion of our population, quite as reliable as any other.