- Transcription
THE NEW BINGHAM,
PHILADELPHIA, PA., Oct. 20/17.
Hon. T. J. Bickett,
Raleigh, N.C.
Dear Governor:
When Sheriff Stuart returned from Raleigh the first of this week he delivered your message to us, which was: “Buy Liberty Bonds”.
I have subscribed for about $4000.00 worth of the Bonds and was contemplating the purchase of more, but when I read the article in last Tuesday’s News and Observer of the appointment of C. C. Broughton as State Inspector of County Exemption Board at a salary of $4.00 per day and expenses, I was so thoroughly disgusted, I wanted to withdraw every dollar of my subscription. Mr. Tomlinson, cashier of our bank, told me that he had obtained subscriptions amounting to about $3000. but he also was disgusted at the appointment and stated that if the proceeds of Bonds were to be used for such purposes, he would stop also.
In behalf of myself and the citizens of Montgomery County, I protest most strongly against this useless and uncalled for appointment. Admitting for the sake of argument that an officer of that kind is necessary, how in the name of goodness and common sense can Broughton perform the duties? Where did he get his knowledge of military and draft law? Is he the kind of a man to send to the different counties in the State to smooth out the rough places and adjust difficult questions that may arise in Local Boards in the discharge of their duties? Is he a man that would command attention and respect from Local Boards? Take one instance: How would Broughton look advising U. L. Spence and Frank Page? Nearly all the County Boards are composed of men of ability and character.
I am not saying anything particular against Broughton, but he is a young man, inexperienced in law of all kinds. It is true he did some work for our Local Board, but to tell the truth he was a nuisance and in the way, and he did it merely to advertise himself. On two occasions, in my presence, the Board had to request him to leave the room in order that they could discuss some matters that they did not want him to repeat..
As County Attorney, and representating the Government under your appointment, I am firmly of the opinion that no such office as State Inspector of Local Exemption Boards is required. The questions that confront Local Boards do not involve mere questions of military or draft laws, but are purely of Local character and can best be settled by the Local Boards, with the printed law they have, the advise of the County attorney and Provost Marshall.
I do not know who is responsible for this appointment, but I am sure it is causing a great deal of very unfavorable comment in our County. It is affording much pleasure and amusement to our political opponent. About every citizen who has heard of the appointment is either mad, disgusted or amused at the ridiculous appointment.
I earnestly hope that you can do something to have this appointment cancelled. We are at War. We must not create useless offices; or if offices of that nature are necessary, to appoint incompetent men to fill them.
Now, my dear Governor, if I did not believe you were my friend, and if I did not know that I am your friend and that I admire, respect and like you very much, I would not write you this letter. I thought I would wait until I returned home and see you personally about this, but felt so strongly about it that I concluded to write you. You know me well enough to feel reasonably sure that I do not act hastily or without cause.
Every time I see the sign “Buy Liberty Bonds” “Do Not Waste” and all signs of that nature, I think of the appointment and the waste of money it involves.
With kindest regards, I am -
Sincerely your -
