The Daily Dispatch: December 12, 1864., [Electronic resource]

---

---

The exemption bill.

The general exemption bill, as reported to the House on Saturday from the Military Committee, by Mr. Miles, is very much the same as heretofore as regards the classes, but is very marked in its restrictions and specifications.

The clause in relation to the press is very materially altered, amounting almost to a revocation. It exempts "one editor of each newspaper being published at the time of the passage of this act and such practical printers and pressmen as said editor may certify on oath to be indispensable to the publication of such newspaper."

The clause exempting the owner of "fifteen field hands" is repealed.

The bill exempts ministers of religion in actual charge of congregations, who have not been engaged in buying and selling for profit. Physicians of "ten years continuous practice," who have not been buying and selling for profit. The exemption of teachers is restricted to colleges, theological seminaries and military academies.

The only new feature in the bill is that granting exemptions to the officers and indispensable employees of the James River and Kanawha Canal Company.

The Secretary of War is authorized to grant exemption and detail to such planters, farmers, overseers and other persons as he may be satisfied will be more useful to the country in their several pursuits than in the military service.