Thomas Biddle to Hamilton Fish, April 29, 1873

No. 351. Mr. Biddle to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of regulations for the military organization of the republic, promulgated by President Gonzalez on the 21st instant, and based on Articles 122 and 124 of the recent constitution.

It prescribes that all the Salvadorean males from eighteen to fifty years of age shall be subject to military duty, excepting those lawfully married or being only sons in families, or the sole support from the death or advanced age of the father; the being a widower with children to maintain; also clergymen, schoolmasters, public employés, medical men, surgeons, and apothecaries, but the last may be taken to serve professionally.

From the total of these, six thousand soldiers are to be selected by lot, thus placing on an equal basis the whole community, prescribing the term of enlistment and allowing a moneyed commutation therefor, and generally establishing a system of recruiting for the army.

I have, &c.,