WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST MARSHAL GENERAL
WASHINGTON

October 29, 1918.

Chief, Bureau of Investigation,
Department of Justice,
Washington, D.C.

Subject: Prosecution of J. J. Laughinghouse, former Chairman of Local Board for Pitt County, North Carolina, for Irregularities in the Operation of the Draft.

Dear Sir:

This office has reviewed the entire record in this case in connection with the report of Dorsey E. Phillips under date of October 21, 1918.

In view of the fact that the Local Board was reconstituted last May, J. J. Laughinghouse having been removed and A. W. Cox having resigned with the result that the administration of the draft in said County has been materially improved, and in further view of the fact that the political affiliations of said Laughinghouse and his relationship with the present Secretary of State of North Carolina make it probable that a bitter fight would be waged in his defense, resulting probably in counter charges against those who stand at present charged with the execution of the law in said County, which, though untrue, would attract undue attention on the part of the citizenship of the State and lend some encouragement to those who sympathize with draft evasions, and also by reason of the recommendations of the United States District Attorney and the Government Appeal Agent and the letter of the Governor re. removal of Laughinghouse, it is the opinion of this office that, while the record is sufficient upon which to base a conviction, it would not be helpful to the administration of the draft in North Carolina to have this case brought to issue while the Draft Boards are engaged in the essential work of classifying registrants. A failure to convict would be exceedingly harmful and, while a conviction would appear to be very probable under the evidence, the splendid work that is now being done by the Pitt County Draft Officials would not be materially affected thereby, because of the fact that substantially the same results have been accomplished through the public repudiation of the conduct of Laughinghouse by the people of his own section.

It is suggested, therefore, that the postponement of this case from time to time would have the effect of preventing future acts of obstruction on the part of Laughinghouse, and at the same time keep the case ready for prosecution upon the completion of the classification of registrants.

Very truly yours,

H. C. Kramer
Lieut. Colonel, J. A.
Chief, Investigation Division.

HCK-mnr