Jefferson, N.C.
October, 29, 1917.

Hon. T. W. Bickett, Governor,
Raleigh, N.C.,

My dear Sir:

I want to call your attention to a matter of very grave importance in the operation of military draft in Ashe County. I am reliably advised that Mr. T. C. Bowie is undertaking to get any and all, who are willing to pay his price, discharged from military service- especially those who have been already induced into military service by this Local Board, of which I am chairman. It places us in a very hard position. I am advised he has been to see the Adjutant General and probably others in charge of the military enrollment, and should know just what procedure to take in the matter in the way of filing additional proof etc, and in obtaining the re-opening of cases, but his course of procedure is to prepare statements and affidavits for the parties and send them to me for my signature as Chairman of the Board. If I refuse to sign them the blame can then be put on me personally and I am held responsible if the man is not discharged, and if I sign them it places me in an awkard position with others. I do not feel like doing more for one than for another. I want to treat them all the same in every respect, and I feel that this is placing an unreasonable burden upon me and other members of the board.

I am also advised, but can not state positively, that Mr. Bowie is charging a retainer fee of $5.00 with the understanding that if he does any thing for the man that he gets more, and my understanding is that in event the man is discharged, he is to receive the sum of $100.00. It is probably a high charge for the benefit of his influence. If the case is worthy and the man deserves a discharge he is unable to pay that much money, and if such a method is permitted to continue it simply means a preference for the men who are able as against the destitute class. You can easily see what a position it will place this Local Board in, and what dissatisfaction it may stir up in the county in furnishing our quota of 160 men for the first draft.

He refused to sign a statement to the public to the effect that the attorneys here make no charge for any service they might give any registrant in the preperation of affidavits etc before this board, which statement was signed by all members of the bar here except him and one other attorney. Other attorneys here, I am advised, charge a man a small charge from $1.00 to $2.50 for preparing extra affidavits for the purpose of having a case reopened etc, and make no extra, contingent charge.

Such work is calculated to create very much dissatisfaction among the people, and unworthy discharges may be granted in some instances. It is a practice which should be restricted for the best interests of the country. Will you please take a hand, and do all you can to the end that such work may be based upon a patriotic and reasonable basis. Unless something can be done to releave such a situation it places me in such position that I can not stay on the Local Board, and shall make an effort to have my resignation accepted.

Please treat this as confidential, and advise me as early as possible, fully what to do in the matter.

Very truly yours,

W. E. McNeill CHAIRMAN.