The Daily Dispatch: December 15, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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Our military organization.

It is to be regretted that any obstacles should be interposed in any portion of the Confederacy to the execution of the conscription law. Whatever constitutional objections may be urged against that measure should be deferred to the exigency of the occasion in the patriotic and gallant spirit which has animated the Governor of Virginia — a State which has borne without a murmur every demand of every kind that has been made upon her resources, her valor, and her fortitude. The crisis is upon us now in its full strength, and it behooves as to put forth all our energies. The gale is at its height, and if we expect to weather it, every man should be at his post. States or communities which hold back their men at such a moment are more dangerous enemies than the Yankees. No alternative is left but conscription or subjugation, and we trust the Government will see that the law is everywhere executed with thoroughness, uniformity and impartiality.

The system of substitutes is another drawback upon the military strength of the country. Every man able to perform military duty, whether as principal or substitute, ought to perform it, and no ground of exemption, except physical incapacity of the pursuit of some employment which is essential to the public interests, should be received as an excuse. As for police duties, which may be rendered necessary by the infamous policy of the Lincoln Government with reference to the servile population, they can be performed by the men over forty-five and the youths under eighteen.