Exempting ministers.
Under the Exemption bill, as it passed the Senate, ‘"ministers of the Gospel"’ are exempted — a phrase which does not embrace ministers of the Hebrew faith. We can scarcely suppose that it was the design of the Senate to exclude this class of clergymen from the privilege of exemption; but the House ought to amend the bill so as to leave no doubt on the subject. Whilst this is a Christian country, the principles of religious liberty are opposed to any such discrimination as is implied in the clause referred to. The Jewish ministers are entitled to exemption on the principles of the Constitution as much as any others, and we hope the House of Representatives will amend the action of the Senate.
