- Transcription
WAR DEPARTMENT
THE DISTRICT BOARD
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN
STATESVILLE, N.C. January 4, 1918.
PERSONAL.
HON. T. W. BICKETT
Raleigh,
N.C.
My dear Governor Bickett:-
I have just learned over the ‘phone from Mr. Finch, a member of the Board, that you have appointed Mr. A. M. Scales, a member of the District Board, his acceptance being subject to the removal of the office to Greensboro and Mr. Scales made Chairman.
Since receiving that information, I have talked with a few of your friends here about the matter, and they are very much wrought up over the idea of appointing two men from one County, and also the removal of the office from Statesville, which would place the Board in the extreme eastern part of this District, and which would work a hardship upon the people of the western section of the State in presenting their claims to the Board. I am further informed that the people of the 9th Congressional District are very sore over not having a representative on this Board.
I would not think about dictating to you in this matter, but feel sure that when you think of all these facts, you will decide that the office should remain at this place, where we have the use of the government building free of charge, with light, heat and water, and to move it from there, in my judgment, would cost at least $150.00 per month.
I want to further say to you, as you are well aware from my correspondence with you, that I was very much worked up on account of some changes that were made in the work here, but I now realize that was a necessity, as we had become so “balled” up with the pressure of work that it was necessary to make the change then; but, after making the change and getting the splendid help that we have in our now present clerk, Mr. Sloan, we have the office in a most satisfactory shape, with all the necessary assistants, so that the work is and can be carried on without the least danger of trouble that we had in our former force. In this connection, I also learned that the Greensboro members had already selected new Chief Clerk and necessary help at Greensboro, which would necessarily cause a beginning in the new, as it were, in this work. Now since we have the office force so well organized, I think it would be a great misfortune to make this change just at this critical time.
Mr. Finch tells me that the change would be much more convenient for him, but, in justice to the people of this District, he does not think that the office should be removed from Statesville.
Now, I hope that you, in your wise judgment, will decide with Brother Finch and myself that the office should remain here in Statesville, and to this end I ask your most splendid support that you will give in keeping the office here. No doubt you will hear from many of your friends in regard to this matter before many days.
Before closing, I would also add that Mr. O. R. Jarrett, is opposed to the change. Now a majority of the old members of the Board stand for the office to remain here, and we hope it will not be moved, and, if it becomes necessary for you to name another member to serve on this Board, I would like to put before you a man who, I believe, would do that State and Nation a splendid service and one who would try to do justice by all in this place. I dont know whether the party could serve or no, but I desire to place the name of Walter C. Feimter, of Catawba County, before you.
I am very slow to attempt to dictate or to recommend, even, to you, as I feel very sure that you are able in every way to take care of this most arduous work that has been placed in your hands.
I hope that you will consider this as a personal letter, from a personal friend.
With high personal regards, I remain
Yours most respectfullly,
WBG
