<Dist Ex Bd.>

January 11th, 1918.

To the members of the Western District Board,

Gentlemen:-

I am in receipt of a letter from one member of the Western District Board in which he says:-

“It does not concern me very much as to who is appointed a member of the Board, but the removal of the office is a different question.”

My position is exactly the reverse. I am not at all concerned where the Board meets. The efficiency of the work done depends upon men and not upon localities. The locality is not related to efficiency save as it serves the convenience of the members of the Board.

In passing upon the question of location I urge you to have regard only to those things that will promote wise, just and expeditious action on the part of the Board. In view of the personnel of the Board where can you meet so as to insure that the Board will act wisely, justly and promptly on all matters within its jurisdiction?

I leave this matter to your judgment and to your conscience, simply asking you not to consider that any particular place or any particular employees have any sort of claim upon you, but to bear in mind that the public and the Government will hold you rigidly responsible for the character of the work you turn out.

Sincerely yours,

[unsigned]

B_G