- Transcription
HUGH MACRAE & CO.
Bankers
WILMINGTON, N.C.
October 22nd, 1918.
Governor Thos. W. Bickett,
Raleigh, N.C.
Dear Governor Bickett:-
In order to insure that the interests of North Carolina are taken care of in connection with the plans for making farm communities for the returning soldiers, it would seem very important to make certain that Secretary Lane carries out his agreement to visit the agricultural colonies near Wilmington before he attends the meeting in Savannah on the 11th and 12th of November, at which meeting he will announce the details of the recommendations which he will make to congress on this subject. As Secretary Lane has already indicated to me that he expected to make this trip to Wilmington, with Mr. Elwood Mead and others, I cannot very well press the matter further at this time, but it seems to me that you could (if you think it wise) refer to the fact that Mr. Lane is to be present at the Savannah meeting, and make the independent suggestion that he visit these colonies, and if so, that you would be glad to make the inspection with him.
Also, I certainly hope that you can arrange to be present at the Savannah meeting, because I believe matters will be shaped up there which will have considerable influence on the destiny of the South. Also, I would be very glad indeed if you could feel justified in giving me some especial status at the Savannah meeting, by permitting me to attend the meeting under your authority, and to such extent as you feel prepared representing the State’s interests, especially if you should find it impracticable to be there yourself.
Another thing comes to me in this connection. Do you think it would be advisable to ask Mr. D. H. Hill, who is Chairman of the North Carolina Council of Defense, to use his influence as far as practicable, with a view of supporting the plans which I have heretofore outlined to you. There are several members of the Council of Defense, who I am quite sure will be glad to do this, but no doubt Mr. Hill’s individual support would prove effective.
Hoping that the above suggestions which have for their purpose the inauguration of the team work which would be necessary to keep the lion’s share of this project from going to points West of the Mississippi,* and trusting that they will meet with your approval,
Yours very sincerely,
HMacR/H-
* meet with your approval.
